The old Kukës was completely submerged when the Fierzë reservoir on the Drin River was constructed in the early 1970s, forcing communist planners to build the town from scratch. The fact that actually two cities emerged at the time – one on a hill and the other beneath it – was a state secret back then. In case of war, the underground system was designed to house up to 10.000 people, practically the entire population of Kukës. A part of the tunnels can now be visited.
The length of the tunnels can be counted in kilometres, and only a very few people had an idea that the different sections were interconnected. The project was completed in 1989, but before the necessary furnishings could be installed, the communist regime fell and the bunker remained unused.
The local administration has big plans for the abandoned bunker and wants to make it accessible to tourists. The idea is that visitors will be able to walk through tunnels from the city centre directly to Fierza Lake. This is still a long way off, but part of the underground is already accessible with a guide. This is an unusual experience not suitable for the claustrophobic.
The tour costs 5 euros per person and is available also in English or French. It takes about two hours, during which you will learn a lot about the history of Kukës during the communist dictatorship. You can book via WhatsApp at +355676653708 or +355685520330. The entrance is located in the southern part of the city.
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