Gjirokastër Cold War Tunnel: A Guide to the Underground Bunker

Updated 2026-11-02 · 3 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.

How to visit the Cold War Tunnel

Head to the Gjirokastër Municipality building (Bashkia) near the main square of the Old Bazaar.
Buy tickets and meet your guide at the tourist information office by Çerçiz Topulli Square.
Pay the entry fee and wait for a guided tour, as independent wandering is usually not permitted.
Wear a light jacket as the underground temperature remains cool even during summer months.

What is the history of the Gjirokastër Cold War Tunnel?

Built in secret during the 1970s, the tunnel was designed to protect the communist leadership from a potential invasion or nuclear strike.

The bunker was constructed under the orders of Enver Hoxha's regime during a period of intense isolationism. It remained a secret to the local population until the fall of communism in the early 1990s. Unlike many other bunkers in Albania, this was a high-level command centre rather than a simple pillbox.

Feature	Detail
Total Length	Approximately 800 metres
Number of Rooms	59
Construction Era	1970s
Purpose	Civil Defence / Command Centre

What can you see inside the bunker?

Visitors see a labyrinth of damp concrete corridors and functional rooms left in their original state.

The rooms include spaces for a power generator, water storage, an interrogation room, and sleeping quarters for high-ranking officials. While most furniture has been removed, the original signage, ventilation systems, and heavy iron doors remain, providing a stark look at the era's paranoia.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry usually costs around 200 Lek per person.

Check the current admission fee at the tourist information point before visiting. It is recommended to carry small denominations of Albanian Lek as ticket payments are cash only.

Is a guide necessary for the tour?

Yes, access is typically restricted to guided tours for safety and historical context.

Tours are conducted in Albanian and English. The guides provide essential context for the various rooms that would otherwise look like empty concrete shells. The tour generally lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.

When is the best time to visit?

The tunnel is accessible year-round, but it is a particularly good activity for escaping the midday heat.

Because the bunker is underground, it maintains a constant, cool temperature. During the peak summer months of July and August, this makes it a popular midday stop for tourists visiting the castle above.

Sources

Gjirokastra town guide →