Checkpoint: Tirana's Memorial to Communist Isolation

Located on Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, Checkpoint (Postbllok) stands as a stark reminder of Albania's communist past. This memorial commemorates the country's political prisoners and those who suffered under the oppressive regime of Enver Hoxha. The installation is comprised of three significant elements: a concrete bunker, concrete supports from the Spaç labor camp, and a section of the Berlin Wall. The concrete bunker is one of the thousands that were built during the communist era, symbolizing the pervasive fear and isolation of the time. The concrete supports are from the notorious Spaç labor camp, where political prisoners were forced into hard labor. The Berlin Wall segment represents the broader struggle against totalitarian oppression in Europe and connects Albania's history to global events. Today, Checkpoint serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. Visitors can explore the site, engage with its historical context, and appreciate the stark contrast between the remnants of the past and the modern city that surrounds it. The surrounding area offers cafes and shops where visitors can experience Albanian culture and hospitality.