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

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

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The cold war tunnel

Delve into Albania's secretive history at the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra, a massive underground bunker built in the 1970s to protect communist officials from potential attacks. Explore its 59 rooms and get a chilling glimpse into the paranoia of the Enver Hoxha regime.

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 constant temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round, so bring a jacket or sweater.
Tours are typically offered on the hour, but it's best to arrive a few minutes early to purchase your ticket.
Tickets can only be purchased with cash.
Combine your visit with a trip to Gjirokastra Castle and the Old Bazaar for a full day of exploring Gjirokastra's rich history and culture.

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Getting There

Walking

The Cold War Tunnel is located near Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli in Gjirokastra. From the square, walk towards the Municipality building (formerly the headquarters of the Party Committee). The entrance to the tunnel is located behind the Town Hall. The walk is short and easy. There are no costs involved.

Discover more about The cold war tunnel

The Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra offers a unique and unsettling glimpse into Albania's communist past. Built in secret during the 1970s, the massive underground bunker was designed to shelter local communist officials in the event of a foreign invasion or nuclear attack. The tunnel, also known as the Cold War Museum, reflects the paranoia of Albania's communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, who feared foreign invasion.Concealed from the public for decades, the tunnel was opened to visitors in 2014 and provides an authentic experience that evokes the atmosphere of totalitarian Albania. Stretching 800 meters long, the labyrinthine corridors lead to 59 rooms, each with a specific purpose. Visitors can explore government offices, interrogation rooms, sleeping quarters, and facilities for air filtration and water storage. A highlight is the de-contamination room and a rusting generator made in Czechoslovakia.Located beneath Gjirokastra Castle, the tunnel is easily accessible and offers a unique historical experience for those interested in the communist period of Albania. Guided tours, which take approximately 20 minutes, provide insights into the tunnel's construction, its purpose, and the lives of those who once worked within its walls. The tunnel is in its original state, making it less informative but much more atmospheric and genuine.