Site of Witness and Memory: A Testimony to Resilience

The Site of Witness and Memory serves as a powerful reminder of Albania's tumultuous past, specifically the communist era. Located in Shkodër, a city that endured significant repression, this museum occupies a building that once served as the local headquarters of the Ministry of Interior. From 1946 until the 1990s, this site was used as an interrogation center and prison for political detainees, where thousands suffered abuse and torture. The museum's exhibits aim to create a collective memory of the past and educate new generations about the mistakes of the communist regime. Visitors can explore the original pre-trial holding cells, which offer a chilling glimpse into the conditions endured by prisoners. The museum also features an audio-visual room with video materials and a library with prison literature provided by the Institute for Communism Crimes and Consequences in Albania. Artifacts on display include objects used and produced in prison, manuscripts, and letters exchanged between prisoners and their families. The museum also highlights the staggering numbers of people persecuted in Shkodër during the communist era, including those imprisoned, sent to labor camps, and executed. The Site of Witness and Memory is not just a historical exhibit but a space for reflection and contemplation, honoring the resilience and spirit of the Albanian people.