Tunel: Gjirokastra's Cold War Secret

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Explore Gjirokastra's Cold War Tunnel: An underground glimpse into Albania's communist past and a hidden world beneath the Stone City.

Delve into Albania's communist past at the Tunel in Gjirokastra, an underground bunker built in the 1970s to protect the political elite from potential nuclear attacks. Now open to the public, this intriguing site offers a glimpse into a secretive and paranoid era.

A brief summary to Tunel

Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5, Gjirokaster, 6001, AL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tunel.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the tunnel floor can be uneven.
Bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the tunnel is cooler than outside.
Tours are guided and provide valuable context; inquire at the Gjirokastra Tourist Information Center on Çerçiz Topulli Square.

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Getting There

Walking

The Tunel is located on Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5, right under the Gjirokastra Castle, making it easily accessible on foot from most locations within the old town. From the center of the Old Bazaar, head towards the main square, Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. The entrance to the Tunel is near the Municipality building. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Gjirokastra has a public bus circuit that connects the old and new town. Several bus lines operate in the city. Take the bus line that goes to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. From the bus stop on the square, the Tunel entrance is a short walk away. A single bus fare costs approximately 30 Lek.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Gjirokastra and can take you directly to Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli. Taxi stands are located at the River Bridge (Ura e Lumit) and on 18 Shtatori Boulevard. A short taxi ride within the city should cost around 200-300 Lek. Be sure to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Tunel

The Tunel, also known as the Cold War Tunnel, is a captivating historical site located beneath Gjirokastra Castle in Gjirokastra, Albania. Constructed in secrecy during the 1970s and 1980s under the direction of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the 800-meter-long tunnel was designed as an emergency shelter for the local political elite in the event of a foreign invasion or nuclear attack. Hoxha's paranoia led to the construction of countless bunkers throughout Albania, and the Tunel represents a more elaborate example of these defensive measures.The tunnel complex features 59 rooms, including offices for government ministries and party officials, sleeping quarters, a kitchen, a power generation room, and even a decontamination chamber. The complex is largely preserved in its original state, providing visitors with an atmospheric and genuine glimpse into the past. Though much of the original furniture was looted in 1990, remnants remain, such as rotary dial phones and old power generators.Today, the Tunel serves as a museum, offering guided tours that explore the history of the Cold War in Albania and the paranoia that gripped the nation. Visitors can wander through the dimly lit corridors and imagine the lives of those who would have sought refuge within its walls. The tunnel maintains a cool temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius, providing a welcome respite from the summer heat. The main entrance to the Tunel is near the Municipality building on Çerçiz Topulli Square.