Building as a Cultural Monument

The building is owned by Zija Toptani, a member of the Albanian parliament. The building, along with the residential villa, was part of the Toptani Sarajev (Sarajevo Palace) family. The building was built at the time when the Toptani family moved from Kruja to Tirana and the building itself was used mainly for family and official receptions.

General description of the architectural features of the building

The building is located on the square. “Fan Noli”, next to the building where the plenary sessions of the Albanian Parliament are held today. The Academy of Sciences building is a 2-story building, whose facade faces west and is surrounded by greenery. It has a construction area of ​​about 600 m2 and a floor height of about 4.5m. It, together with 4 other buildings around it, constitute the complex of buildings declared “Cultural Monument” of the second category, of the Historical Center of Tirana, declared by Order of the Minister of Culture.

The building belongs to the typology of the Albanian dwelling of the second half of the 19th century, serving the wealthier strata of society at that time. As a typology, it resembles the dwellings with a central closed veranda, which were also widespread in other Balkan countries. The building has an almost regular rectangular plan. Both floors of the building are habitable. The building has a central hall and two or four rooms were placed on either side of it, depending on the floor, while on the second floor, the hall in the front part ended with a protruding corner that later turned into a balcony. The building, both in its exterior appearance and in its interior, is characterized by a simple treatment of architectural elements.

Its foundations are partially supported on the surrounding wall of “Tirana Castle”. Externally, its large volume and simple volumetric forms are striking. As one of the residences used by the feudal aristocracy, it was positioned almost in the center of the city, within the walls that form the city’s castle.

The intended use of the building during the 1920s to the present day

• On 11.02.1920, the “Regency-Parliament” (High Council) of the government of Sulejman Delvina, emerging from the Congress of Lushnja, was established in this building. Although the numerous changes of governments Regency remained in this building until 1925.
• In the years 1925-1926, the building served as the headquarters of the government of President Ahmet Zogu.
• There is no information about the use of the building in the years 1926-1929.
• In the years 1929-1939 it served as the “Royal Palace” of King Ahmet Zog I.
• In 1939, the building was partially destroyed by fire.
• In the years 1944-1946, the Presidency of the National Liberation Council was established.
• In the years 1946-1962 it was the seat of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly.
• In 1961-1972 the building was used for various state functions.
• From 1972 to the present day, it is used as a building for the Albanian Academy of Sciences.