Postbllok - Checkpoint Tirana
Communist isolation
Klea from Tirana
As beautiful as Tirana and the whole of Albania might be, it is also a country that has been left with the heritage of the harshest communist regime in Europe. The society still feels its influence and in order to get rid of a painful past, we believe that knowing and understanding it is crucial. Thus, Postblloku (Checkpoint) is a memorial to Albanian communist isolation, conceived as an artistic installation and created by Fatos Lubonja and Ardian Isufi, Lubonja having suffered the atrocities of the Hoxha regime first hand himself.
Situated in the main boulevard “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, right opposite the Prime Ministry, this installation includes one small concrete bunker, the remaining supports of a mining gallery in the notorious labour camp Spaç and a piece from the Berlin Wall, taken from Potsdamer Platz. I particularly like this area because it is surrounded by green and during a sunny day there is no bigger contrast than the shine of the sun's rays between the leaves warming up the hard concrete surface that has witnessed the worst kind of human misery.
I like to descend the stairs down to the bunker; being able to see the feet of people passing by is an exceptional experience. Postbllok is surely an experience that a visitor must not miss!
Tirana Spotter Klea
About this spot
Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit
- 24 hours daily
Lek
free
Our Tirana City Guide
Find your way with 167 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Tirana
Duff
An awesome sports bar
"Duff" in Tirana is like one of those American sports bars you go to drink lots of beer (Simpsons fans will get it). I do love their beer...
by
Eri
Mataj
Natyra e Qetë Restaurant
Calm Nature
"Natyra e Qetë" Restaurant is a nice and relaxing outdoor spot which is a great place to stop by after a shopping spree to enjoy the nature, food and wine..
by
Matilda
Karçanaj
The House Tirana
Morning coffee or a night drink?
"The House Tirana" is a great, warm cafe. I love going there for its very good coffee and snacks. It has become one of my favorites in the city, easily!
by
Ardita
Puma
Iliria'98
Money exchange
"Iliria'98" in Tirana is the currency exchange office I head to before going abroad. It's the cheapest in the city, so I recommend you use it, too.
by
Marinela
Gogo
COD
Get into the Prime Ministry building!
"COD", or the Centre for Openness and Dialogue in Tirana, is a new initiative in Albanian cultural life. I love coming here to work or curl up with a book.
by
Klea
Vyshka
Bunk'art 2
Pieces of the past
"Bunk'Art 2" in Tirana is a museum that shows what happened inside the Ministry of Internal Affairs during communism. It's good we can learn these things.
by
Ardita
Puma
Chilli Snack Bar
Snack and beer time!
"Chilli Snack Bar" in Tirana has all kinds of snacks and it looks and feels like Christmas all year long! I like having my morning coffee there...
by
Ardita
Puma
Colonial Cocktails Academy
Cocktails anyone?
"Colonial Cocktails Academy" in Tirana is where I had the best vodka sour I've ever tried. I love the atmosphere the staff and of course its drinks!
by
Ardita
Puma
Painters on the Street
Artsy corners
Tirana has its fair share of "Painters on the street". I like how colorful they make their corners and the warm feeling looking at their art gives me.
by
Ardita
Puma
The New Boulevard
Simple aesthetics
"The New Boulevard" has taken the place of the old train station in Tirana. Its benches and white spaces make it perfect for walking and biking around...
by
Ardita
Puma
Shtepia e Gjetheve
Communism's dark secrets
"Shtepia e Gjetheve", 'The House of Leaves', used to be the espionage center used by the communist government in Tirana, now converted into a nice museum.
by
Ardita
Puma
Chakra Jone
Our chakra
"Chakra Jone" is the only Indian restaurant in Tirana. The chefs can cook up a variety of over 130 dishes, so that's a huge issue for my indecisive soul!
by
Marinela
Gogo
Heading to Tirana?
167 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Tirana?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 167 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Tirana
Get to know our other Spotters from Tirana
As featured on:
