The city of Tirana was founded in 1614 and in 1920 was established as the country's capital. The significant growth of the city took place in the 20th century. Critical periods for the development of the city were the Communist, in which the city acted as the command center of the state, and the post-communist, in which due to urbanization the most significant growth of the city took place.

This research paper focuses on the transitional period from the fall of communism to the present day. In the first part a reference on the significance of the geographic position of the city is made and historical data regarding the early stages of the urban development of the city are presented. Finally, information regarding the significant Italian influence in the architecture of the city during the period of the monarchy (1928) is presented.

The second part focuses on the period during which the country was ruled by the Communist, Party of Labour of Albania(1945-1990). First, the country's condition after the second world war is presented. Then, the influence of communism on urban planning of the city and on the housing of the citizens is analyzed.

The last part refers to the period between 1990 and the present day. Initially an overview of the economic conditions during that period is presented and their influence on the architecture of the city of Tirana is analyzed. Furthermore, the problems arising from the illegal building of this period are mentioned as well as the government’s countermeasures. Finally, a reference is made regarding the privatization program, on which the transfer of ownership of houses from the state to the citizens was based.