The Cold War Tunnel, Gjirokastër

Museum in Gjirokastër

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Adam Jones

One of Gjirokastër’s most unusual attractions is the Cold War tunnel beneath the castle, a massive bunker built in secret during the 1960s. Constructed during the paranoid rule of communist leader Enver Hoxha, the bunker was designed to protect local authorities and the party elite in the event of a full-scale invasion or nuclear attack. Its existence remained a closely guarded secret, unknown to locals until the 1990s, making it a hidden piece of Cold War history in Albania.

The bunker is enormous, originally comprising 80 rooms and capable of accommodating around 300 people. Its claustrophobic corridors were designed to function as a self-contained underground complex, complete with offices, bedrooms, classrooms, and even a court of law. Every space had a carefully planned purpose, reflecting the intense security and control of the Hoxha era.

Today, visitors can explore 59 of the preserved rooms on a 20-minute guided tour. The layout and displays remain largely as they were when abandoned, with clear labels explaining the function of each room. The entrance to the tunnel is conveniently located next to the Town Hall, offering a unique glimpse into Albania’s Cold War history and the extraordinary measures taken by its communist leaders.

The The Cold War Tunnel, Gjirokastër appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gjirokastër!

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