An often underestimated city that will surprise you with its modernity, beauty and the joy that reigns when visiting it.
Tirana, capital of Albania, is located in the heart of the country, in a valley surrounded by mountains. It is the largest and most populated city and is crossed by the "Lana" river.
Tirana is a living city, the beating heart of this country, and is the political, economic, cultural and religious center. At 30 km from the coast it offers a particular and interesting view of the entire country. It is known for its places of cultural interest, for its modern and colorful buildings and for the various shops from the oldest to the most modern and sophisticated.
Spending a day in the capital there are many interesting places to visit. Here are the five unmissable stages.
1. Skanderbeg Square
Starting from the city center you can find “Skanderbeg Square” which, taking its name from a national hero, has become a symbolic place for the whole country.
Not only that, it is the largest square in the country and the 81st in the world, hosting various cultural, sporting and political events.
2. National History Museum
A few steps from the square is the National History Museum, inaugurated in the 80s and one of the most important Albanian museums. It traces the history of the country step by step with archaeological finds and a sector dedicated to second World War. Open every day, it arouses the interest of young and old.
3. The Pyramid
On the other side of the square is the "Pyramid" il international center of culture, with a particular pyramid-shaped structure in glass and white marble, but its peculiarity lies in the fact that it can be climbed on foot. It was once a youth cultural center with an adjoining nightclub, today it is the home to international fairs and of the major Albanian television station.
4. Clock Tower
Another place of interest is certainly the Clock Tower which over the years has become one of the symbols of the city, built in the nineteenth century by Muslim families and rebuilt after the damage suffered during the Second World War. Next to it is the "Et'Hem Bey" mosque, one of the most beautiful and oldest buildings in Tirana.
5. The National Gallery of Art
A five-minute walk away is the National Gallery of Visual Arts which boasts more than 4000 works by national and international artists with permanent and temporary exhibitions; overlooking the Viale dei Martiri e dei Combattenti, the main street.
Special features and advice
A special feature are the reinforced concrete bunker which are found everywhere in the city as in all of Albania, built in the 50s against a possible invasion.
Every day there is the city market of fruit and vegetables where you can get a taste of the land of this country: all the products come from Albanian villages.
To disconnect from the city you can visit the botanical garden, part of the University of Tirana, and the Dajti National Park which is located 26 km east from Tirana, also reachable by cable car from which you can admire an exceptional view of the territory.
Therefore, Tirana represents the modernity, growth and beauty of this country which is very often underestimated. A lively city full of colors, a surprise you don't expect and waiting to be discovered!
