Communist Heritage Sites (Self Guided), Tirana

The people of Albania lived in a Communist state from 1976 through 1992. The country was ruled by one party, the Party of Labor of Albania. Dictator Enver Hoxha held power over the country and established a Stalinist-style of administration.

Citizens were oppressed by the secret police, known as the Sigurimi. They would spy on anyone who they believed to be an enemy of the state. Those who were suspected of being political opponents of the Labor Party were often interrogated, tortured, imprisoned or even killed.

Communism fell in Albania in 1991 when the first multi-party elections took place, though The People's Socialist Republic of Albania wasn't officially dissolved until a new constitution was adopted in 1998.

The memories of Communism in Albania are still very much alive in the memories of those who lived under the dictatorial rule of this repressive government. The new government strives to remind visitors of the horrors under this regime. They have done so by offering a number of spots that visitors can learn from and see.

The House of Leaves, also known as the Museum of Secret Service, provides deep insight into the spying and interrogation techniques of the Sigurimi. The National History Museum offers exhibits that cover a great deal of Albania's history that includes its dark days under Communism. BunkArt 2 is a museum and gallery that is located in a former bunker built by Enver Hoxha. These and many other places are important stops when touring the past communist sites in Tirana.

If you want to learn more about the history of Communism and how it shaped Albania, follow us on this Communist Heritage Sites walking tour.