Kukës is unique for being three cities in one, each with its own distinct history:
1. Old Kukës – The original city, now submerged beneath Fierza Lake after the construction of a hydroelectric dam in the 1970s.
2. New Kukës – Built nearby to relocate residents after the flooding, becoming the modern city that exists today.
3. Underground Kukës – A hidden city constructed during Enver Hoxha’s rule, built as a bunker-like shelter to protect residents in case of war. This underground network of tunnels and rooms remains a symbol of Albania’s Cold War-era defense strategies.
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