The cold war tunnel

"Located within the underground bunkers beneath the Gjirokastër Castle, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Albania during the tense period of the Cold War, particularly under the regime of Enver Hoxha. The museum is housed in a network of tunnels and rooms that were originally constructed as a secret military bunker. These bunkers were part of a vast system built across Albania in the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the intense paranoia and isolationist policies of the Hoxha regime. The Gjirokastër bunker was intended to protect local government officials and military personnel in the event of a nuclear attack or invasion, a constant fear during Hoxha's rule. Visitors to the Cold War Museum can explore the bunker’s various rooms, which have been preserved to reflect their original purpose. The rooms include offices, sleeping quarters, a command center, and storage areas, all designed to support prolonged underground habitation. Exhibits in the museum feature period-specific artifacts, including communications equipment, propaganda posters, and military paraphernalia, which together tell the story of the Albanian state's preparation for a possible war that, fortunately, never came."

"Hidden beneath Gjirokastër’s streets, this Cold War-era tunnel was built to shelter government officials during nuclear threats. Built in secret in the early 1970s, the bunker is 800 m long and has 59 rooms. Gjirokastër’s bunker is in its original state, making it less informative but much more The tunnel is a fascinating glimpse into Albania's paranoid past Tip: Bring a light jacket as tunnels maintain cool temperature The tunnel tour takes about 20 minutes. Opening hours: April-October (high season) 09:00-18:00 hrs and November-March (low season) 08:00-14:00 hrs Price :200 lek/person ( 2 Euro) "

"200 leke = about $2 Short and informative history driven tour of the nuclear bunkers. They say it’s about 30 minutes long. The guy I had was newer and still training so ours was a little less than about 20 minutes. Nice filler activity to pass time. You will do this activity in a group of people and the tour leaves every 30 minutes. "