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Gjirokastër · Albania

Cold War Tunnel Gjirokastër

The Cold War Tunnel is a large underground shelter beneath Gjirokastër, visited on a guided route through command rooms, corridors and functional spaces.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Typical visit
1 hour
Setting
Mixed
Region
Gjirokastër and Përmet
Last checked
31 Jul 2026

Why visit

Choose Cold War Tunnel Gjirokastër for a distinctive part of the local landscape and culture. Long underground corridor network and original functional rooms give the stop a clear purpose within a Gjirokastër itinerary.

What you will see

  • Long underground corridor network.
  • Original functional rooms.
  • Strong contrast with the Ottoman old town above.

History

Constructed during the communist period to protect local leadership in the event of attack, the tunnel reflects the regime’s militarisation, secrecy and fear of invasion.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Allow enough time to read the main interpretation rather than rushing through the rooms.

  2. 2

    Combine this stop with nearby places rather than building an entire day around it.

  3. 3

    Keep small cash available because some local tickets and services may not accept cards.

Combine it with

More to see around Gjirokastër

All of Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër Castle Gjirokastër · Albania Gjirokastër Castle dominates the old city with long ramparts, vaulted halls, military displays, festival spaces and views over the Drino Valley. Gjirokastër Old Bazaar Gjirokastër · Albania The old bazaar forms the pedestrian heart of Gjirokastër, where steep cobbled streets meet beneath rows of shops, cafés and traditional façades. Skenduli House Gjirokastër · Albania Skenduli House offers a guided look inside a large fortified family home, with guest rooms, fireplaces, storage spaces and carved timber details. Zekate House Gjirokastër · Albania Zekate House is one of Gjirokastër’s grandest tower houses, recognisable by its twin towers, stone base and richly decorated upper rooms. Antigonea Archaeological Park Antigonea · Albania Antigonea spreads across an open hill above the Drino Valley, where wall lines, streets and building foundations reward visitors who enjoy reading archaeological landscapes. Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër) Muzinë · Albania The Blue Eye is a powerful karst spring whose deep centre appears intensely blue against clear turquoise water and dense vegetation. Visitors approach from the official access area on foot.

Already worked out

Ready-made trips through Gjirokastër

All ready-made trips
Albania Heritage Route — 5 Days 5 days · 21 stops · Moderate pace A southbound heritage journey from Tirana through Kruja, UNESCO-listed Berat and Gjirokastër to Butrint and the Ionian coast. South Albania and Riviera — 7 Days 7 days · 30 stops · Moderate pace A balanced week combining Albania’s historic cities with the Blue Eye, Butrint and the main Riviera landscapes. Classic Albania — 10 Days 10 days · 38 stops · Moderate pace A broad introduction to Albania’s capital, northern mountains, UNESCO towns, archaeological sites and Riviera coast. Grand Albania — 14 Days 14 days · 48 stops · Moderate pace Travel from Tirana and Shkodra into Theth, then south through Berat, Përmet and Gjirokastër to Sarandë, Butrint and the Riviera before returning via Vlorë.