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Tepelena Internment Camp: A Site of Remembrance

Explore the poignant Tepelena Internment Camp, a historical landmark that stands as a reminder of Albania's communist past and the resilience of its people.

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The Tepelena Internment Camp, active from 1949 to 1954, stands as a chilling reminder of Albania's communist past. Once housing families deemed enemies of the regime, including a large number of children, the camp is now a historical landmark and memorial to the suffering endured here.

A brief summary to Tepelena Internment Camp

  • 72X8+X6X, Rruga Ali Pashe Tepelena, Tepelenë, AL

Local tips

  • Consider visiting with a local guide to gain deeper insights into the camp's history and the experiences of those interned here.
  • Allocate time for reflection at the site, as it can be an emotional experience to contemplate the suffering that occurred here.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions such as the Castle of Tepelena or the Vjosa River to fully experience the region's history and natural beauty.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Tepelenë (Sheshi Lord Bajron), head southeast on Rruga Ali Pashe Tepelena, the main road through town. Continue for approximately 1 kilometer; the Internment Camp will be on your right. The walk is about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the main square in Tepelenë, walk to the nearest bus stop near the post office. Take a local bus heading towards the outskirts of Tepelenë and inform the driver you wish to visit the Tepelena Internment Camp. The fare is approximately 50-100 Albanian Lek. After getting off the bus, walk roughly 200 meters east to reach the camp.

  • Car

    From the center of Tepelenë, drive southeast on Rruga Ali Pashe Tepelena. The drive is about 5-10 minutes. Follow the road until you reach the coordinates 40.299997, 20.015598699999998. Free parking is available near the site.

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Discover more about Tepelena Internment Camp

The Tepelena Internment Camp, located in Tepelenë, Gjirokastër County, Albania, operated as a forced labor camp between April 1949 and March 1954. Modelled after Soviet kolkhozes, it imprisoned convicts, fugitives, deserters, and families of political prisoners, with a particularly high number of children interned. The camp gained international notoriety, even being mentioned in a 1955 U.S. Government report to the United Nations. Initially, two camps were established, one in Berat for northerners and one in Krujë for southerners, until reorganisation saw the Berat internees moved to Tepelena and Porto Palermo Castle. The barracks were repurposed to house internees deemed by the communist government to be reactionaries, kulaks, bourgeois, declassed traitors, and foreign agents. In 1952, nearly a thousand able-bodied prisoners were forced to work in construction. The camp itself was a miniature Soviet gulag, holding approximately 600 people, including families with small children, in a small space. Conditions were brutal, with severe overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease leading to a high mortality rate, especially among children. Today, the Tepelena Internment Camp serves as a memorial and a place of education. While in disrepair, the crumbling ruins attract visitors who come to reflect on Albania's past and honor the victims of the communist regime. Although plans are underway to transform the site into a national museum, the camp remains a powerful symbol of resilience and a reminder of the importance of human rights.

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