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Site of Witness and Memory: Remembering Albania's Communist Past

A poignant memorial in Shkodër, Albania, dedicated to preserving the memory of victims of the communist regime and promoting awareness.

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The Site of Witness and Memory in Shkodër is 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 sobering look into the atrocities of the past.

A brief summary to Site of Witness and Memory

  • Bulevardi Skënderbeu, Shkodër, AL
  • Monday 9:30 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully experience the museum and its exhibits.
  • The museum is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Much of the signage is in Albanian, so consider bringing a translation app or guide.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Site of Witness and Memory is located on Bulevardi Skënderbeu in Shkodër, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Sheshi Parruce (Parruce Square), head east on Rruga Teodor Haxhifilipi, then turn left onto Bulevardi Skënderbeu. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses in Shkodër serve the city and surrounding areas. Check local bus routes and schedules to see if there's a convenient bus stop near your starting point that will take you to Bulevardi Skënderbeu. Bus fares are typically very affordable, around 40-100 Lek.

  • 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 should cost approximately 800 Lek. Taxi fares generally start at 250 Lek, with an additional 110 Lek per kilometer. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Several taxi services operate in Shkodër, including Speed Taxi and Lux Taxi.

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Discover more about Site of Witness and Memory

The Site of Witness and Memory stands as a powerful reminder of Albania's turbulent history under communist rule. Located in Shkodër, a city that experienced 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 era. The journey begins with general information about the persecution in Shkodër, including staggering statistics and a map of the city's 23 prisons, many of which were converted family homes and religious institutions. An audio-visual room features videos and a library of prison literature. The most poignant part of the museum is the original pre-trial holding cells, where prisoners were kept and tortured. The cells are small and dimly lit, offering a chilling glimpse into the conditions endured by the inmates. The torture room, preserved in its original state since 1946, stands as a stark testament to the brutality of the regime. Visitors can also view a collection of objects made and used in prison, as well as manuscripts and letters between prisoners and their families.

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