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Site of Witness and Memory: A Testimony to Albania's Past

Explore Albania's poignant history at Shkodër's Site of Witness and Memory, a tribute 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, it offers a poignant look into a dark chapter of Albanian history. Visitors can explore original pre-trial holding cells and exhibits detailing the persecution and suffering endured by political prisoners.

A brief summary to Site of Witness and Memory

  • Bulevardi Skënderbeu, Shkodër, AL
  • Monday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least one hour to fully experience the museum and reflect on the exhibits.
  • The museum is located on Bulevardi Skënderbeu, making it easily accessible within Shkodër.
  • Consider visiting other nearby attractions, such as Rozafa Castle or the Marubi National Museum of Photography, to enrich your visit to Shkodër.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Site of Witness and Memory is located on Bulevardi Skënderbeu in Shkodër, making it easily accessible by foot from most central locations. From Rruga Kole Idromeno (the main pedestrian street), walk east towards the boulevard. The museum will be on your right. The walk is generally easy and takes about 5-10 minutes from the city center.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses in Shkodër serve various routes around the city. Check with local sources or your accommodation for the bus route that passes near Bulevardi Skënderbeu. Bus fares are typically around 40-100 Lek. Pay the driver directly upon boarding.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Shkodër. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Site of Witness and Memory should cost approximately 300-500 Lek. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Speed Taxi is one of the taxi services available in Shkodër.

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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 and a tribute to its victims. The building itself has a rich history, beginning in the 19th century as a private residence before being acquired by Franciscan Fathers in 1930 to serve as a college for training priests. In 1946, the communist regime confiscated the property and transformed it into a local branch of the Ministry of Interior, a role it maintained until the 1990s. During this period, the building served as an interrogation center and prison for political detainees, where thousands were subjected to torture and abuse. Since September 2014, the once-prohibited area has been open to the public, offering a glimpse into the horrors of the past. The museum's exhibits begin with an overview of communist persecution in Shkodër, highlighting the city's staggering number of prisons and the regime's targeting of religious figures. The exhibits include objects and documents from the period, as well as the original pre-trial holding cells where prisoners were kept and tortured. The passage to the cells runs through a newly built gallery symbolizing the prisoners' walk to suffering and pain. An audio-visual room features video materials and a small library with prison literature. The Site of Witness and Memory aims to create a collective memory of the past, educating new generations about the mistakes of the past to prevent their repetition.

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