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Site of Witness and Memory: A Chronicle of Communist Repression

Explore Albania's poignant history at the Site of Witness and Memory in Shkodër, a museum dedicated to the victims of communism.

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The Site of Witness and Memory in Shkodër stands as Albania's first memorial dedicated to the victims of the communist regime. Housed in a former Ministry of Interior building used as an interrogation center and prison, the museum offers a poignant look into a dark chapter of Albanian history.

A brief summary to Site of Witness and Memory

  • Bulevardi Skënderbeu, Shkodër, AL

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully experience the museum.
  • Much of the signage is in Albanian, so consider a translator app or guide.
  • The museum is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Site of Witness and Memory is located on Bulevardi Skënderbeu in Shkodër. From Sheshi Demokracia (Democracy Square) in the city center, head east on Rruga Kolë Idromeno, then turn left onto Bulevardi Skënderbeu. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses operate in Shkodër, but there is no specific bus that stops directly in front of the museum. Check local bus routes for the closest stop on Bulevardi Skënderbeu. A single bus fare within the city costs approximately 40 Lek. From the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Shkodër. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a ride-hailing app. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Site of Witness and Memory will typically cost around 800 Lek. Ensure the driver uses a taximeter, or negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Site of Witness and Memory

The Site of Witness and Memory in Shkodër serves as a powerful reminder of Albania's communist past, commemorating the victims of political persecution. The museum is located in a building that once functioned as the Shkodër headquarters of the Ministry of Interior, a place where thousands of political detainees were interrogated, tortured, and imprisoned. Many never left. The building itself has a rich history. Erected in the 19th century as a private property, it was later acquired by Franciscan Fathers in 1930, who established a college for training parish priests. However, in 1946, the communist regime confiscated the building and transformed it into a local branch of the Ministry of Interior, a role it maintained until the 1990s. Opened to the public in September 2014, the museum features exhibits that chronicle communist persecution in Shkodër, including artifacts, documents, and the original pre-trial holding cells where prisoners were kept and tortured. The entrance hall provides staggering facts about communism in Shkodër, including a map of the 23 prisons in the city, many of which were converted family homes and religious institutions. An audio-visual room showcases video materials and prison literature. The passage to the cell area runs through a newly built gallery symbolizing the prisoners' walk to suffering. The torture room, left untouched since 1946, stands as the most striking evidence of communist terror. Communists imprisoned 2,890 people in Shkodër alone; 1,924 were sent to labor camps, and 601, including 61 clerics, were executed. Around 136 people died due to torture. The museum aims to create a collective memory of the past, educating new generations about the mistakes of the past to prevent their recurrence.

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