Underground Mechanical Ammunition Factory

An underground ammunition factory — a large subterranean complex built for the production of ammunition, constructed in the mountains of Albania during the rule of Enver Hoxha with the assistance of Chinese specialists.

The underground portion of the facility consists of a network of parallel arched adits approximately 500 metres long and up to 10 metres high, interconnected by cross-tunnels. Inside were housed ammunition assembly and loading lines, explosive storage depots, packaging lines, mechanical workshops, laboratories, administrative offices, life-support systems, and a dedicated underground thermal power plant. The total area of the complex spans several hectares.

In 1990, the facility employed around 3,200 people. Ammunition produced here included cartridges in calibres 9×18, 9×19, 7.62×39, 7.62×54R, and 12.7×99 mm. In the early 1990s, part of the output was exported, but by the mid-decade production had gradually ceased. Subsequently, some of the staff were involved in international programmes for the disposal of obsolete munitions.

The site is now effectively abandoned, but the territory remains guarded. A soldier with a rifle sits in a sentry box at the portals, tourists have been detained inside the tunnels, and police patrol the surrounding area every hour through the night.