Gjirokastra Cold War Tunnel: A Journey into Albania's Communist Past

Explore Gjirokastra's Cold War Tunnel: An underground glimpse into Albania's communist past and Enver Hoxha's paranoia.

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Delve into Albania's communist history with a visit to the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra. This underground bunker, built in the 1970s, offers a glimpse into the paranoia of the Enver Hoxha regime and its preparations for a potential nuclear attack.

A brief summary to Tunel

Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5, Gjirokaster, 6001, AL

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the tunnel has uneven surfaces.
Bring a flashlight or use your phone's light to enhance your exploration of the dimly lit passages.
Combine your visit to the Tunnel with a tour of Gjirokastra Castle for a comprehensive understanding of the area's history.

Getting There

Walking

The Cold War Tunnel is located on Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, right under the Gjirokastra Castle. From most points in the Old Town, it is easily accessible by foot. Head towards the main square, Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. The entrance to the tunnel is near the Tourist Information Center.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus from other cities, the Gjirokastra bus station is located in the new town. From the bus station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli in the Old Town. Walking from the bus station to the square takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Bus fares within the city are inexpensive.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Gjirokastra. You can find them at the River Bridge (Ura e Lumit) and along Bulevardi 18 Shtatori. A short taxi ride from the bus station or other parts of the city to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli will cost approximately 300-500 ALL. Ensure the driver is using a meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

Discover more about Tunel

The Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra, also known as the Cold War Museum, is an underground bunker constructed during Albania's communist era (1944-1990). Built in secret during the 1970s, the 800-meter long tunnel with 59 rooms was designed as an emergency shelter for local authorities in the event of a foreign invasion or nuclear assault. The tunnel's existence remained unknown to Gjirokastra locals until the 1990s. The tunnel is located beneath Gjirokastra Castle and was intended to protect the local political elite. It features offices for party officials, interrogators, and even prosecutors. The complex also includes sleeping quarters, a kitchen, power generation facilities, a decontamination room, and an air filtration system, showcasing the regime's extensive preparations for a potential nuclear attack. Today, the Cold War Tunnel is open to the public as a museum. Guided tours are available from the Tourist Information Center on Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, offering insights into the tunnel's history and purpose. Although some of the original furniture was looted in 1990, the tunnel remains largely in its original state, providing a genuine and atmospheric experience. Visitors can explore the decontamination room, generator room, and air filtration room, gaining a sense of the regime's paranoia and preparations for a potential nuclear war.