From 1944 to 1992, Albania was governed under a harsh Communist ideal that modeled itself after Stalinism. Landmarks such as the pyramid of Tirana still recall darker days.

The out-of-place pyramid was built as a museum in honor of Enver Hoxha, a former Albanian leader who furthered the ideals of Stalinism for decades after the Russian dictator died. Designed by Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law to keep the leader’s legacy alive, earning it the informal name, “The Enver Hoxha Mausoleum.” The museum retained its original purpose until 1991, and as national attitudes began to change, space was converted to a convention center in the first shift in the purpose that would eventually lead to its downfall.

As the central purpose of the marble-tile-covered structure shifted from museum to convention center to military staging area to television station, the revolving ownership led to massive neglect. Combined with the unpopular Communist legacy associated with its construction, the building began being looted for materials and covered in graffiti, leading to its current state of dilapidation.

While the Pyramid of Tirana is not completely disused (there is still an independent Albanian broadcast company operating there), the government is trying to vote the site into demolition. However, the vote is being contested by locals who would like to see the piece of their heritage (however dark) preserved.

Update as of June 2023: The redesigned Pyramid of Tirana is now open as a new arts venue, including a number of classroom buildings around the edge. You can now walk up the pyramid, and it is illuminated at night.