Ish-Blloku
Coordinates: 41°19′15″N 19°48′59″E / 41.32083°N 19.81639°E
Ish-Blloku ("the Ex-Block"), commonly known as Blloku ("the Block"), is an upmarket area in Tirana, Albania widely known as an entertainment and shopping destination with its many boutiques, shops, restaurants, trendy bars, pubs, and cafes.[1] The area is part of the neighbourhood of Tirana e Re in southwestern Tirana. During the peak summer months, its trendy bars transfer along the Albanian Riviera.
It became very attractive after the fall of Communism in Albania because during the Communist period it became a restricted residential area for the members of the Albanian politburo; ordinary Albanians would not be allowed in. On most maps it was unmarked.[2] In Blloku you can still find the residence of the Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha.
Since the fall of communism in Albania, a dramatic growth of new developments has taken place, with many new exclusive flats and apartments. Ish-Blloku has been called the "playground of the young Albanian elite".[3]
Blloku is quite a small, walking neighborhood easily accessible from different parts of Tirana. The entrance of Blloku only 10-15 minutes by foot from the city centre of Tirana.
The first international fast food chain (KFC) in Albania, were also opened at Ish-Blloku and Tirana East Gate.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ "10 Great Ways to Spend A Weekend in Tirana". Travel Addicts. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
- ↑ http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/12/travel/albania-tirana-the-block/
- ↑ about Tirana City globalpropertyguide.com
- ↑ ""Pula më e shijshme në botë" KFC vjen në Tiranë në TEG". Business Magazine. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
Further reading
- Williams, Sean (12 September 2014). "Albania's Block party: Dancing away the dictator's legacy". CNN. Retrieved 12 September 2014.