Ish-Blloku

Blloku as viewed from Sky Tower

Summertime on Blloku streets

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. 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.

Before the 1950s, a number of factories operated in the area. During the Communist period it became a restricted residential area for the members of the Albanian politburo; ordinary Albanians would not be allowed in. Among the surviving villas, the area houses the former residence of Albanian 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".

What is a little bit frustrating sometimes, when going to the Blloku area, is the difficulty to find a parking place. However, Blloku is quite a small, walking neighborhood easily accessible from different parts of Tirana via the main public transport called Unaza (the Ring), green color, which makes a circle around Tirana. The entrance of Blloku is close to Taivan station, only 10-15 minutes by foot from the city centre of Tirana.

See also

• Neighborhoods of Tirana

External links

• Albania Fashion Street Blog
• Tirana Club Zone
• Till'late Albania
• Radio Stations in Tirana