House of Leaves

Tucked between modern buildings in central Tirana, the House of Leaves is one of Albania’s most haunting and thought-provoking museums. Once the headquarters of the Sigurimi, the communist-era secret police, this unassuming 1930s villa now reveals the chilling extent of state surveillance. Visitors step into a world of hidden microphones, interrogation rooms, and thousands of files documenting lives under constant watch. The museum’s name refers both to the ivy-covered façade and the “leaves” of paper that held citizens’ secrets. Exhibits include original equipment, propaganda, and personal stories that bring the era’s paranoia to life. Formerly a maternity clinic and later a Gestapo base during WWII, the building’s layered history adds to its eerie atmosphere. With its central location near Skanderbeg Square, the House of Leaves is easily accessible and offers a sobering yet essential glimpse into Albania’s recent past—perfect for travelers seeking depth beyond the usual tourist trail.