Postbllok - Checkpoint Tirana
Communist isolation
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!
About this spot
Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit
- 24 hours daily
Lek
free
Find your way with 165 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Tirana
Korpusi
A different city inside of a city
"Korpusi" is in fact the Polytechnic University of Tirana. It has a lot of space, so lots of people come here to enjoy the atmosphere, not just students.
by
Eri
Mataj
Pagus
Best steakhouse in town
"Pagus" in simply the best steakhouse in Tirana. We love everything Italian in this city, as long as it's not occupation. Occupation by food, though...
by
Klea
Vyshka
Panevino
Exquisite Italian restaurant
"Panevino" (literally 'breadwine'!) in Tirana is one of the best Italian restaurants in town, and that's saying a lot, 'cause we simply love Italy here...
by
Klea
Vyshka
Dajti Express
Cable car to Tirana's main mountain
"Dajti Express" in Tirana is the cable car that takes you up THE city mountain, where the air is not polluted and the panorama opens up in front of me!
by
Klea
Vyshka
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
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
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
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
Heading to Tirana?
165 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
✓ 165 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:
