Tirana Communist Era Tour: History and Culture

6 Ratings

Tirana

Save

View All (15)

Explore Tirana’s historic centre, uncover communist-era secrets, and enjoy breathtaking views. Perfect for adventure seekers, couples, and families. Book your tour now!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Muzeu Historik Kombetar - The National History Museum in Tirana, Albania, opened on October 28, 1981. It spans 27,000 square meters, with 18,000 square meters dedicated to exhibitions. A large mural mosaic titled “The Albanians” adorns the entrance, showcasing figures from Albania’s history.
Skanderbeg Square - Located in the heart of Tirana, Albania, Skanderbeg Square is named after the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The square covers approximately 40,000 square meters and is dominated by the Skanderbeg Monument.
National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania - This theatre in Tirana, Albania, is the largest in the country and hosts music and dance performances throughout the year.
Skanderbeg Statue - Situated in Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania, the Skanderbeg Monument honors the national hero Skanderbeg (1405–1468) for his resistance against the Ottomans.
Et`hem Bey Mosque - The Et’hem Bey Mosque in Tirana, Albania, was closed during communist rule and reopened in 1991. The mosque features frescoes depicting trees, waterfalls, and bridges. Visitors can explore this authentic and historic mosque.
- Clock Tower - Built in 1822 by Et’hem bey Mollaj, the Clock Tower of Tirana, Albania, is a cultural monument. Watchmaster Ismail Tufina assembled the clock mechanism in 1822. It was designated a first-category cultural monument on May 24, 1948.
- Reja “The Cloud” - An art installation in front of the National Gallery of Arts in Tirana, Albania, The Cloud has been a modern art space for cultural events since 2016. Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, it is a delicate, three-dimensional structure.
- BunkArt 2 - Bunk’Art 2 in Tirana, Albania, is a re-imagined Communist-era nuclear bunker that serves as a museum and art space. It reflects Tirana’s cultural initiative to celebrate a new era while remembering its past. Visitors can view the museum from the outside.
- Rruga Murat Toptani - Murat Toptani Road is a popular pedestrian street in Tirana, named after the Toptani family, a leading noble family during Albania’s Ottoman rule.
- Fortress of Justinian - Also known as Tirana Castle, this fortress in Tirana, Albania, dates back to before 1300 and is a remnant of the Byzantine era. It was the crossroads of the main east–west and north–south roads, forming the heart of Tirana. The area within the fortified walls includes various buildings, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions.
- Saint Paul Cathedral - St Paul’s Cathedral in Tirana, Albania, belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës. It features a stained glass window with Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, and a statue of Mother Teresa at the entrance. The building has a modern design, unlike traditional churches.
- Enver Hoxha Pyramid - The Pyramid of Tirana, a former museum dedicated to dictator Enver Hoxha, opened in 1988 and became a conference center in 1991. During the 1999 Kosovo War, it served as a NATO base. In 2018, it was transformed into the TUMO Center Tirana, a youth IT center for Creative Technologies, focusing on computer programming, robotics, and startups. The renovated structure, designed by MVRDV, opened to the public in May 2023.
- Deshmoret E Kombit Boulevard - The Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard in Tirana, Albania, is a major thoroughfare featuring buildings like the Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Palace of Congress, the Rogner Hotel, and the University of Tirana.
- Blloku - A famous neighborhood in Tirana, Blloku is known for its upscale nightlife, shopping, hip bars, cafes, and trendy restaurants. Once a closed-off area for the Communist elite, it still houses the villa of long-ruling dictator Enver Hoxha.
- Rinia Park - Also known as “Youth Park,” Rinia Park is a central public park in Tirana, Albania, covering 2.98 hectares (7.4 acres). Built in 1950 during the communist era, it is also called Taiwan Park.
- Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania - The Resurrection Cathedral in Tirana, Albania, is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the Balkans. Visitors can explore the interior of this church.
- House of Leaves - The Museum of Secret Surveillance, or House of Leaves, in Tirana, Albania, opened on May 23, 2017. It was the headquarters of the Sigurimi during the communist era and is dedicated to the innocent people who were spied on, arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and executed during that time. Visitors can view the museum from the outside.

What's Included

Experienced certified guides
Tips about different traditional restaurants and any dietary needs
Fun, informative and interactive experience
Climbing up the top of Tirana Pyramid for breathtaking views (sunset view photo stop)
Entrance to churches and mosques
Photo stops at monuments

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Private transportation

Additional Information

This tour takes you back to the communist era, a time when Albania was isolated for nearly 50 years. We will begin our journey at Skanderbeg Square, the main square of Tirana, where we will visit the National History Museum, Opera House, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, and Bunk’Art 2 Museum.

Next, we will explore the Castle of Tirana, the Pyramid (offering breathtaking views from the top), Deshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, and the vibrant Blloku area, which is filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs. We will stroll through the Youth Park and conclude our tour at the unique “House of Leaves” museum, dedicated to Albania’s secret surveillance history, rich with stories and intrigue.

This tour offers an immersive cultural experience, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions. Organized in small groups, it is perfect for adventure seekers, couples, the elderly, and families with children who want to learn more about this beautiful and vibrant capital city.

Location

Skanderbeg Statue

Sheshi Skënderbej

The guide will be waiting next to the Statue of Skanderbeg which is in the main square of Tirana. It is visible as it dominates the square. Near the statue there is a big white wheel. The guide will be wearing an adidas cap and be waiting with a big smile!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(6 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Kristi

Aug 23, 2024

Brilliant tour of Tirana! - Fantastic tour with Local Walking Tours of Tirana! It was fun and the guide was super friendly. He showed us the main spots of Tirana and we entered most of the monuments. We heard a lot of stories about Communism told with personal touch from the guide! 100 % recommended!