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

Explore Gjirokastër's Cold War Tunnel: An underground glimpse into Albania's communist past and its nuclear paranoia.

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Delve into Albania's secretive history at the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastër, a massive underground bunker built in the 1970s. This once-hidden complex reveals the paranoia of the communist regime and its preparations for a potential nuclear attack, offering a unique glimpse into a closed-off era.

A brief summary to The cold war tunnel

  • Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, Gjirokastër, 6001, AL
  • Monday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-3:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-3:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through the underground tunnel complex.
  • Bring a jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the tunnel is a constant 15°C (59°F).
  • Tours are guided and start on the hour; arrive a few minutes early to purchase your ticket from the tourist information office.
  • The ticket price is 200 Lek and cash only is accepted.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cold War Tunnel is located in Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, near the Municipality building. From the center of Gjirokastër's Old Town, head towards the main square. The tunnel entrance is a short walk from the square, behind the Municipality building.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Gjirokastër's new town, take the public bus that connects the new and old town. Get off at the stop closest to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli and the Municipality building. From there, the tunnel entrance is a short walk behind the building.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Gjirokastër and can take you directly to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. From there, it's a short walk to the tunnel entrance behind the Municipality building. A short taxi ride within the city should cost approximately 300-500 Lek.

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Discover more about The cold war tunnel

The Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastër offers a chilling yet fascinating look into Albania's communist past. Built in secrecy during the 1970s, under the direction of paranoid dictator Enver Hoxha, the 800-meter-long tunnel with 59 rooms was designed as an emergency shelter for the city's political elite in the event of a nuclear attack. Hoxha's obsession with national security led to the construction of thousands of bunkers across Albania, but the Gjirokastër tunnel remains one of the most significant and well-preserved examples. A visit to the tunnel offers an immersive experience, transporting you back to the tense atmosphere of the Cold War era. Explore the various rooms, including government offices, sleeping quarters, interrogation rooms, a decontamination chamber, and even a courtroom, all left largely untouched since the fall of communism. Original equipment and furnishings provide a tangible connection to the past, evoking the sense of a totalitarian state preparing for the worst. The tunnel's main entrance is near the Municipality building in Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. Guided tours, which last approximately 20-30 minutes, provide valuable context and information about the tunnel's history and purpose. The temperature inside the tunnel remains a constant 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), so it's advisable to bring a jacket or sweater.

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