Tirana between 1944-1990

The war destroyed Tirana and impoverished Albania, but it was just a prelude. In the first years after the war, one of the most dictatorial regimes in Europe started to form. Communism will leave its mark on every aspect of life in Albania. During this regime, Tirana changed forever. Population grew significantly and many new residents began populating new prefabricated complexes. The city center also changed. The National Museum and Opera House were added to the Italian buildings, while Skanderbeg Square was dominated by a giant statue of the dictator.