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Located on the outskirts of Tirana, Bunk’Art 1 is a large underground bunker built during the 1970s under the leadership of Enver Hoxha. It was designed as a secure shelter for Albania’s government and military leaders during wartime. Spanning five stories and over 100 rooms, it was part of Albania’s broader Cold War efforts to prepare for potential threats.
Hoxha, believing Albania was at constant risk of invasion, ordered the construction of thousands of bunkers across the country. Bunk’Art 1 was the largest and most advanced of these structures, with reinforced concrete walls, air filtration systems, and facilities designed for long-term use. However, Hoxha died before its completion, and the bunker was never used for its intended purpose.
Today, Bunk’Art 1 serves as a museum offering insight into Albania’s Cold War history. Visitors enter through a long tunnel that leads to rooms filled with exhibits. Many original features remain, including gas masks, communication equipment, and Chinese-made control systems—reflecting Albania’s close ties with China during the communist period.
The museum highlights both the practical and symbolic aspects of the bunker. Alongside military installations, it includes exhibits on Albania’s Cold War policies and life under communism. Artifacts and displays provide context for the period, showing how the bunker fit into Albania’s larger defense strategy.
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