As an independent state, Albania has existed for a little over a century. However, the territory of the country was inhabited from prehistoric times and for a long time belonged to the Roman Empire, then Byzantium, and after the Ottoman Empire, until 1912.
The largest city, the economic, political and cultural center of which Albania is proud, is the capital of Tirana. This is where curious tourists should go in search of impressions, original culture, monuments and interesting national cuisine.
about the country
It is reliably known that the territory of modern Albania was inhabited already during the Upper Paleolithic. For centuries, the country was part of the great empires, and after gaining independence, it almost immediately fell under Italian and then German occupation. After the war, a long socialist period of development and years of international isolation followed.
According to the latest data, the most backward European countries are Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania. The tyrant keeps in its appearance the features of all the milestones of development. Over more than 400 years of history, the city, laid down by the Turkish military commander Suleiman Pasha, has found majestic and pompous buildings of the Ottoman Empire, elegant Italian and typical Soviet architecture.
Tourism in the country has just begun to develop, but is this not one of the first reasons to go to Albania? See her beautiful natural landscapes and get acquainted with amazing national color? This is a budget alternative to Montenegro or Greece with the possibility of a beach holiday on the Adriatic coast, and the popular English publication The Telegraph has already named the country one of the most interesting destinations in the world of tourism.
Albania, Tirana: how to get there?
Albania is a growing tourist destination. It is best to get to Tirana by plane, but there are no direct flights from Russia yet. European airlines offer flights with transfers in one of the capitals (Vienna, Rome, Istanbul, etc.), the flight in this case lasts at least 6 hours. You can also take a direct flight to Montenegro, and from there almost all of Albania will be accessible by transfer. Tirana meets its guests at Mother Teresa International Airport, which is located 17 km northwest of the capital. The distance is small, so you can use the services of a taxi or shuttle bus, which runs every hour.
City traffic
The city is small, the area is only 41.8 km 2 , and this, for example, is more than 30 times smaller than Rome, almost 11 - in Prague. The historic center is compact and easily accessible around a casual walk. If you want to see the whole city, then use a taxi (the price should be agreed in advance) or shuttle buses, or you can rent a bicycle.
Tirana (Albania) Attractions
The city is young compared to many other European capitals . Therefore, ancient monuments of architecture in it in large quantities you will not find. The heart of the country and Tirana is located on Skanderberg Square (in the first photo), named after the national hero of Albania. In the central part there is a monument erected in 1968 on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of his death. The bronze eleven meter statue majestically rises above the square.
One of the oldest historical monuments is the Justinian Fortress, or Petrel Castle (pictured above). A historical place with buildings from the time of the Venetian era, however, preserving the features of the Turkish Pasha and the Albanian race.
An incredible mixture of nationalities and cultures - this is how Albania can be characterized. Tirana combines the sights of the two main religions of the country - Christianity and Islam. Many mosques and temples were destroyed or closed, converted for other purposes in the era of the struggle against religion. It should be noted the two largest objects of Christianity in the country - the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Orthodox) and the Cathedral of St. Paul. In addition, be sure to pay attention to the Efem Bey Mosque, erected in 1789-1823 and the old tobacco bridge (pictured below) from the times of the Ottoman Empire.
You can learn more about the country by visiting the National History Museum.
Albanian cuisine
If Tirana (Albania) is one of the points of your trip, then the second task of every tourist after acquaintance with local attractions is a tasting of local dishes and drinks. The country's cuisine can hardly be called original, but it is very interesting and is a kind of mix of traditions of all the peoples that once inhabited this territory. The basis, of course, is vegetables and meat. Be sure to try dishes such as schumlek, sarma (peculiar cabbage rolls), and a traditional dessert - scaffold. Of the drinks, of course, Turkish coffee and traditional alcoholic crayfish, local wines deserve attention.
Markets and shops of the city
Noisy, vibrant and colorful oriental bazaars - this is what Albania has still preserved. Tirana (photo presented in the article) is famous for the Eastern Market, the largest in the city. Here you can buy high-quality and fresh products (olive oil, honey, herbs and spices, etc.), handicrafts, including icons, ceramics, copper Turks and trays, embroidery, etc. Prices are more than affordable. Souvenirs can be purchased in the Luigj Gurakuqi and Barrikadave areas, and Block is popular for its shops and boutiques with shoes and clothes.