Blloku

Blloku, or the Block, is a neighborhood in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Located near the city center, it originated as the residential and administrative district built in the 1950s and 1960s to house the ruling elites of the communist regime, including party leaders and senior officials. The name Blloku derives from the block-like layout and its association with the Party of Labour of Albania.

The area was restricted to ordinary citizens and access was tightly controlled during Enver Hoxha's rule.

After the regime's fall in 1990, Blloku underwent rapid transformation: buildings were repurposed, renovations were undertaken, and the area opened to the public. Since the 1990s it has grown into a lively mixed-use district known for its nightlife, cafes, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues.

The neighborhood still features a distinctive ensemble of early- to mid-20th-century modernist apartment blocks, set around spacious avenues and plazas. It is in proximity to major institutions such as the Parliament and the University of Tirana, contributing to its central role in the city's social and political life. Blloku has become a symbol of Albania's transition, drawing both locals and visitors who seek a contemporary urban experience within a historic context.