This Top-Secret 1950s Bunker Reminds Us Just How Afraid People Were During The Cold War

Published January 18, 2015
Updated January 19, 2018

Deep underground in Konjic sits a 70,000 square foot bunker – one of the most expensive structures ever constructed in what was once Yugoslavia. This long abandoned ‘safe-house’ took 26 years to build (from 1953-1979), and was constructed by former Yugoslavian revolutionary leader Josip Broz Tito to shelter himself, his family, and key communist leaders in the event of nuclear war.

The facility, once a deeply held secret in Yugoslavia, is only accessible through the sole entrance, which is concealed by a nondescript garage door of a remote and unassuming house at the end of a little-used road in Konjic. Though it’s been decades since construction, and even the end of the Cold War – the bunker is still up-kept with a working air conditioning system, power generator and toilets. Even the water containment cistern is filled with fresh water. You know, for “just in case.”

1950s Bunker Sealed Doorway

Still not publicly accessible by any means, you need direct permission from the current Ministry of Defense to gain entrance into the bunker. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Heavy Door

Heavy blast doors conceal and protect the different sections of the strategic facility. These doors are able to hold back everything from gunfire to atomic blasts. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Water Tanks

The fresh water tanks and system are maintained and kept filled and at the ready for any circumstance in which they are needed. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Red Phones

A line of official red phones looks like a shot directly out of any 80s Cold War film. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Fax Machines

These now highly dated fax machines were ready to direct communications between several communist leaders and others they would need to contact in the event of nuclear war. Source: The Telegraph

Electric Hub

It takes a lot of electricity to run operations and maintain a certain quality of life in an underground bunker. The power station of the facility is very impressive given its age. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Music

What world leader wouldn’t need their tunes if forced underground due to an impending nuclear apocalypse? No matter the culture or governmental style, music is a must! Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Phone Home

This communication center was surely directly linked to several locations, and had the ability to make calls to any individual phone number still in working order after a nuclear holocaust. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Switch Board

There were apparently plans to make a LOT of calls underground, as shown by this massive switchboard location within the bowels of the bunker. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Meeting Room

This strategic conference room is large enough to hold any major meetings. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Generator Clutch

A clutch box for one of the five primary generators that run the emergency power for the complex. Once again, the availability of power is very important for a post-apocalyptic world. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker War Room

Only the top minds and leaders would be allowed in the War Room, where strategies and final decisions would come to pass. Ironically, this setup is very similar to the so called War Rooms of franchises during the NFL draft each year. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Morse Code

It would figure that many communications after a potential World War would require encrypted and coded communications. What hidden bunker could possibly complete without a coding device of some sort? Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Facility Map

If you do gain access to the hidden facility, it’s nice to know that a member of the Bosnian armed forces will be there with map in tow – to ensure you don’t get lost during your visit. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Door Plate

A plate located on one of the many doors, made in former Yugoslavia. It is probably best to keep the construction of your secret lair in-house. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Office Projector

Within the complex there are more than 100 small bedrooms, offices, and other rooms, and each contains the obligatory portrait of former Yugoslavian President and leader Josip Tito. Source: The Telegraph

Broken Furniture

12 years after Tito’s death, war did come to Yugoslavia. At that point the facility was more of a sink hole due to the massive costs of upkeep, and Bosnia’s armed forces actually actively pursued someone to hand it off to. Source: The Telegraph

Bathroom Layout

During times of war or peace, there are few things more important to maintaining civilization than the bathroom. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Secretary Office

This quaint office was intended for Josip Tito’s personal secretary. Source: The Telegraph

1950s Bunker Bunk Beds

A close-up image of the bedroom bust of Josip Broz Tito. This example of a bunker bedroom is complete with a period television, bunk beds, and an obligatory icon of the communist leader. Source: The Telegraph

author
Erin Kelly
author
An All That's Interesting writer since 2013, Erin Kelly focuses on historic places, natural wonders, environmental issues, and the world of science. Her work has also been featured in Smithsonian and she's designed several book covers in her career as a graphic artist.
editor
Gabe Paoletti
editor
Gabe Paoletti is a New York City-based writer and a former Editorial Intern at All That's Interesting. He holds a Bachelor's in English from Fordham University.