The Cold War Tunnel: Gjirokastra's Subterranean Secret
Explore Gjirokastra's Cold War Tunnel: A chilling journey into Albania's communist past and a glimpse into Enver Hoxha's paranoia.
Descend into Gjirokastra's Cold War Tunnel, a massive underground bunker built in the 1970s. This 800-meter-long tunnel with 59 rooms served as a secret shelter for communist officials, a relic of Albania's paranoid past under dictator Enver Hoxha. Explore the eerie remnants of this subterranean world and discover a unique perspective on Albania's Cold War history.
A brief summary to The cold war tunnel
- Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, Gjirokaster, 6001, AL
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tunnel has uneven flooring.
- Bring a light jacket; it can be chilly inside the tunnel.
- Visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the Cold War history.
Getting There
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Walking
The Cold War Tunnel is located in Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, near the center of Gjirokastra. From the Old Bazaar, walk towards the Municipality building. The tunnel entrance is located next to it, on the main square. The walk should take approximately 5-10 minutes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain may vary.
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Public Transport
Gjirokastra has a public bus circuit connecting the old and new town. Take the bus to the city center and get off at Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. From there, the tunnel entrance is a short walk away, next to the Municipality building. A single bus fare costs around 100-200 Albanian Lek.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Gjirokastra. Ask your driver to take you to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. From there, the tunnel entrance is a short walk away, next to the Municipality building. Taxi fares within Gjirokastra start at 2.7 USD, with each kilometer costing an additional 2.5 USD. A 5km ride in Gjirokastra costs about 15.2 USD.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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