The Color War Tunnel, also known as the Cold War Tunnel Museum, was an underground bunker that functioned as an emergency shelter during the latter part of Albania's communist regime (1944-1990). Enver Hoxha, the country's communist dictator, was particularly concerned about a foreign invasion after Albania's split with the Soviet Union in the early 1960s, which is reflected in the construction of this bunker and the countless small ones scattered throughout the country. The bunker was built clandestinely in the early 1970s and is 800 meters long, containing 59 rooms. Although the Gjirokastër bunker is in its original state, it is less informative but more authentic and atmospheric. The Cold War Tunnel was designed to serve various functions in the event of a nuclear attack, including rooms for government ministries, local government, interrogators, party elites, sleeping quarters, power generation, and water storage. Although much of the original furniture was stolen from the site in 1990, some pieces still remain. Touring the decontamination room, the generator room (housing a rusting Czechoslovakia-made generator), and the air filtration room provides insight into the regime's preparations for a nuclear attack. The tunnel's primary entrance is located near the Municipality building, which previously served as the Party Committee's headquarters. The tunnel tour lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Type of Data Point - Video

Cold War Tunnel (Gjirokastra, Albania)

Visit page of the element - Cold War Tunnel - Gjirokastra

Inserted: 17-04-2023 17:04:33