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The Cold War Tunnel of Gjirokastra

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

Delve into Albania's communist past at the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra, an underground bunker built in the 1970s to protect local elites from potential nuclear attacks. Today, it serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into a surreal and paranoid era.

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  • Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5, Gjirokaster, 6001, AL

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain within the tunnel can be uneven.
  • Consider bringing a flashlight to explore the darker sections of the tunnel.
  • Check with local guides for any scheduled tours that offer deeper insights into the tunnel's history.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Gjirokastra's old town to fully appreciate its historical context.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cold War Tunnel is located at Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5, in the heart of Gjirokastra. From most points in the Old Town, it is easily accessible on foot. Head towards Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli, which is dominated by the Gjirokastra Citadel. The tunnel entrance is near the Municipality building, which once served as the headquarters of the Party Committee. Walking is the best way to experience the city's diversity, but be prepared for steep, cobbled streets.

  • Public Transport

    Gjirokastra has a public bus circuit that connects the old town and the new town. If arriving by bus from another city, the bus station is in the new town. From there, you can take a local bus to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. The fare for a local bus is inexpensive. Alternatively, you can walk from the bus station to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli in about 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Gjirokastra and can be a convenient way to reach the Cold War Tunnel. Taxis can be found at the River Bridge (Ura e Lumit), also known as Ura e Lunxhërisë, and at the "18 Shtatori" Boulevard. A short taxi ride within Gjirokastra will typically cost around 15.2 USD. Be sure to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your trip.

Discover more about Tunel

The Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra, also known as the Cold War Tunnel Museum, is an underground bunker constructed during Albania's communist regime (1944-1990). Built in secrecy in the early 1970s, this 800-meter-long tunnel with 59 rooms served as an emergency shelter. It reflects the paranoia of Albania's communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, who feared a foreign invasion after the country's split with the Soviet Union in the early 1960s. The tunnel was designed to accommodate various functions in the event of a nuclear attack, including rooms for government ministries, local government, party elites, interrogators, sleeping quarters, power generation, and water storage. Although much of the original furniture was looted in 1990, some pieces remain, offering a genuine glimpse into the past. A tour through the tunnel, which takes about 20 minutes, includes the de-contamination room, the generator room (housing a rusting Czechoslovakia-made generator), and the air filtration room. Today, the Cold War Tunnel stands as a tourist attraction, educating visitors about Albania's communist history between 1946 and 1991. The tunnel is located near the Municipality building, which once served as the headquarters of the Party Committee. The underground passages offer a unique perspective on a history of repression and intrigue.

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

The cold war tunnel

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