Bunkers - An Albanian Story
Have you ever wondered: Is Albania safe to visit? Well the answer is YES!
There is a lot of confusion when coming to the turbulent past of Albanians. Between a lot of negative press and isolation for a long time, is normal for foreigners to have some doubts when considering to visit Albania. One of the most interesting things you will find in Albania, are the unimaginable bunkers, left as a communism souvenir to the present generation. These Brutalist monuments salute a country that no longer exists, however you will still find them everywhere. Some are now completely abandoned, others turned into pieces of art, and some even museums.
The most famous ones remain the so called BUNK'ART 1 & BUNK'ART 2. Both museums of the past remain an interesting take on communism and the dictatorship of the era.
Why should you visit BUNK'ART?
Bunk'art is an exciting experience you won't easily forget. There two museums named Bunk'art. Bunk'art 1 is the first opened and the biggest one, at a five-story underground building, next to Dajti Express Cable Car. If you are looking to organize an interesting day, you can do so by first visiting the museum, and than having a blast on top of the Dajti Mountain, with fantastic views of the city.
The tickets to Bunk'Art are about 5 Eur/Adult and the Cable car at around 6 Eur per return ticket. Bunk'art 2 is better accessible, in the city center, under the Internal Affairs Ministry, but much smaller. If you don't have enough time, you can definitely opt for Bunk'Art 2.
Postbllok (CheckPoint) another interesting take on Albania's Bunker story
Postbllok is another Bunker, now a memorial to Communist Isolation and the regime's political prisoners. At around 10 minute walk from Scanderbeg Square you will find Postbllok, now a tourist attraction made of one person bunker, a piece of Berlin Wall as well as pieces from the infamous prison of the time,Spac, in Albania during communism.
It only take around 10 minute in the sight and a little bit of reading to understand everything from this attraction. If you wish to know more, you can definitely have a tour, that would give you a better insight.
Visit The Bunkers with Kalemi
Tirana Walking Tour of Bunkers and Gangs with Raki Tasting
If you want to know more about Tirana’s Bunkers, this walking tour is the perfect opportunity. Firstly, you’ll visit Bunk’Art, the famous bunker museum of the capital, beautifully showcasing the country’s dark history.
Then you’ll visit the famous Enver Hoxha Pyramid, which has turned into a very popular destination. Further in your tour you’ll get to visit the Checkpoint, a memorial to the communist isolation of Albania. The last stop of the tour is the Blloku neighborhood, where the villa of Enver Hoxha is also located. In the tour there’s also raki tasting involved, which you’ll get to enjoy in one of the cafes of the city.
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