Tour of Communist Tirana

On this tour of communist Tirana, we'll travel back in time to learn about the history of the capital of Albania while visiting the Bunk'Art 2, the Secret Surveillance Museum and the house-museum of Ismail Kadare.

Tour of Communist Tirana

At 9 am we'll meet at the entrance of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in the center of Tirana. We'll start a tour to explore the traces of communism in Albania.

We will learn about the history of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, existing from 1946 to 1992, and visit Scanderbeg Square, where the statue of the national hero is located.

Next, we'll visit the House Studio Kadare, the home of writer Ismail Kadare, who faced challenges during the communist era. The museum highlights his literary struggles under the regime.

Our next stop will be Bunk'Art 2, a nuclear shelter turned museum, featuring 36 rooms built between 1981 and 1986 for protection against invasions or nuclear attacks.

We will also pass by government buildings, walk along the main boulevard to the Pyramid of Tirana, and stop for coffee at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum.

Another highlight is the Post-Block Memorial, a part of the Berlin Wall gifted by the German Embassy. In the final segment, we'll visit the former Blloku area, known for its unique stories during the communist period.

Finally, we'll enter the Museum of Secret Surveillance, which served various purposes, including as one of the first gynecology clinics and for the Gestapo during German occupation.

The tour concludes at the museum exit around 1 pm.