Air Defense Position V-UR with a Bunker

One hallmark of Albania’s standard military sites is that, despite serving the same purpose, they resemble each other only in the details. Air defense positions, in particular, almost always differ in the configuration of the tunnels beneath them, as well as in the number of firing points and gun emplacements for machine guns or anti-aircraft cannons.

What sets this position apart from the rest is the way its tunnels are arranged — the tunnels connecting the hilltop to the command post hidden in its depths. First, they are not entirely underground: the concrete arched posterns are built partly on the surface, where they link the three firing points for machine gunners. Second, a VERY long underground staircase with small steps descends from the firing positions down to the headquarters. In every other respect, this is a typical small Albanian air defense position — ruined and empty — but fans of Cold War fortifications should find it worthwhile. Abandoned so long ago that the trees have grown to the width of a human body.