The cold war tunnel, Chameria Travel Guide

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Explore Gjirokastra's Cold War Tunnel: An underground glimpse into Albania's communist past and a hidden world of secrets.

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The cold war tunnel

Venture beneath Gjirokastra's charming streets to explore the Cold War Tunnel, a fascinating underground bunker built in the 1970s. This 800-meter-long labyrinth, featuring 59 rooms, served as a secret shelter for communist officials during potential invasions, offering a unique glimpse into Albania's paranoid past.

A brief summary to The cold war tunnel

Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, Gjirokaster, 6001, AL

Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The cold war tunnel.

The tunnel maintains a cool temperature year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Tours are approximately 20 minutes long and provide a fascinating insight into Albania's Cold War history.
The entrance is near Çerçiz Topulli Square, close to the Town Hall, making it easily accessible from the city center.
Combine your visit with a stroll through Gjirokastra's Old Bazaar and a visit to Gjirokastra Castle for a comprehensive experience of the city.

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Explore The cold war tunnel on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The cold war tunnel, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, the main square in Gjirokastra, walk southwest along Rruga Ismail Qemali. Signs will direct you to the tunnel entrance, located near the Town Hall. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Be prepared for uneven terrain.
Public Transport

Take a local bus to the city center and get off near Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. From there, follow the walking directions to the tunnel entrance. A single bus fare costs approximately 30 Lek.
Taxi

Taxis are available throughout Gjirokastra. Ask the driver to take you to the Cold War Tunnel near Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli and the Municipality building. A short taxi ride from the edge of the old town should cost around 200-300 Lek.

Discover more about The cold war tunnel

Delve into Albania's communist history with a visit to the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra. Constructed in secrecy during the 1970s, under the regime of Enver Hoxha, this underground bunker was designed to protect local communist officials from potential foreign invasions or nuclear attacks. The tunnel, hidden beneath Gjirokastra Castle, remained a secret from the locals until the 1990s.The 800-meter-long labyrinth features 59 rooms, each with a specific purpose, such as government offices, sleeping quarters, interrogation rooms, and decontamination chambers. A tour through the tunnel offers an authentic glimpse into the atmosphere of a totalitarian Albania, with original equipment and furnishings still in place.Visitors can explore the generator room, complete with a rusting Czechoslovakian-made generator, and the air filtration room, gaining a sense of the regime's preparations for a potential nuclear attack. The tunnel serves as a reminder of Gjirokastra's strategic importance during the Cold War and the resilience of the Albanian people during challenging times.