Tour of Communist Tirana

Tour of Communist Tirana

On this tour, we'll explore the history of Tirana, Albania's capital, visiting Bunk'Art 2, the Secret Surveillance Museum, and the house-museum of Ismail Kadare.

At 9 am, we will meet at the entrance of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania. The tour will focus on the traces of communism in Albania, covering the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, which existed from 1946 to 1992. We will visit Scanderbeg Square to see the national hero's statue.

Next, we'll go to the House Studio Kadare, the home of writer Ismail Kadare, notable for his challenges during the communist era. The visit will provide insight into his experiences with the Albanian regime.

Our next stop is Bunk'Art 2, a history museum located in the largest nuclear shelter in Tirana, constructed between 1981 and 1986 to protect against invasions. We'll also view government buildings and stroll along the main boulevard to the Pyramid of Tirana, followed by a coffee at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum.

We will visit the Post-Block Memorial, a segment of the Berlin Wall, and end the tour in the former Blloku area, known for its historical significance. Finally, we'll enter the Museum of Secret Surveillance, which has served various purposes throughout its history, including as a gynecology clinic and during the German occupation.

The tour concludes at the museum's exit around 1 pm.