Friendly Tirana, the capital of sunny Albania, is located on a plateau at the mouth of the confluence of two rivers, 40 kilometers from the port city of Durres. The area is known for the wars that took place here for a long time, but so far few people know about the city as a tourist destination. You can get to Tirana by plane, train, bus or car. The city itself is not so big, it is easy to explore it on foot or by bicycle.
Geographical position
Albania on the world map, washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, seems like a small speck on the outskirts of the Balkan Peninsula. Summer is usually arid and hot, but a cooling wind blows from the coast, therefore, as tourists say in the reviews, the weather here favors relaxation. Usually the season lasts from late spring to mid-autumn. The sun shines almost 300 days a year. Winter is wet and cool. The average daily temperature drops to +4 ° C. Due to its position, the climate of Tirana is mild and contributes to the influx of travelers.
The best time to visit the Albanian capital is autumn or spring, when the temperature has not yet reached 30–40 ° C in summer. At this time, the Albanian capital can be seen in the bright colors of greenery, flowering parks and gardens or golden crimson falling leaves. March and November are rainy, so the weather can spoil the plans of travelers.
History lessons
Where is Albania located on the map, we have already found out. The territory of the present country was inhabited in time immemorial, and then became part of the Roman Empire.
At the end of the 5th century, Slavic tribes founded the Albanian kingdom here - Arberia. At the beginning of the VI century, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I built a fortress in Tirana, parts of its walls can still be seen in the city center.
Later, the Ottoman Empire conquered the country. But in 1442, an uprising broke out under the leadership of Skanderbeg, a man who is today revered as a national hero. After his death in 1479, the Ottoman Empire regained its influence over Arberia.
Only at the beginning of the XVII century, Tirana became a real city. In 1614, in honor of the victory over the Persians near Tehran, the Turkish nobleman Suleiman Pasha gave the new hail the same name. Then, Turkish baths, mosques and bakeries began to be built here.
Until the 20th century, Tirana was a small town that did not affect the life of the country. And the fact that since 1920 Tirana - the capital of Albania became a completely compromise solution. It was chosen only because of its geographical location - it lies at the junction of the northern and southern parts of the country.
In the XX century, the city survived the overthrow of King Zogu (1928–1939) by the Nazi occupation regime of Italy and Germany (1938–1944), the communist epic of the dictator Khoja (1946–1985) and, finally, in 1992 perked up and found hope for an improvement in life.
Architectural Attractions Tirana
Buildings painted in different colors are found throughout the Albanian capital. But even this was not the highlight of the city. Tirana closely connects its sights with the glorious past of the state. So, above the central square rises a statue of the national hero of the country - Sheshi Skanderbeg . And very close is one of the oldest buildings of the city (1820) and the symbol of Tirana - the Clock Tower .
The International Cultural Center (the former Enver Hoxha Museum, known as the Pyramid) was built in 1987 by order of Enver Hoxha's daughter. The original task of the museum was to perpetuate the memory of the "father of the Albanian people." And this mission was to be undertaken, first of all, by the city of Tirana. Albania calls this project the most expensive building of the era of communism.
Today, this abandoned building is half occupied by a television station. In the other wing, art exhibitions and other cultural events are periodically held. In recent years, the Pyramid has been the subject of controversy over the future of this building. Many believe that it must be destroyed, like traces of a gloomy past, and some are sure that the building should be reconstructed and preserved as a historical monument.
Religious Temples
The Efem Bey Mosque was built for a long 28 years and was completed only in 1821. This Muslim temple is considered one of the most beautiful in Albania. Both the interior and exterior are distinguished by very interesting decorations and artistic painting.
The Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is a relatively new building in the city. Reviews of tourists report that the temple is distinguished by bewitching architecture and rich internal iconography. No less interesting is the church of St. Peter . It was also built recently. The temple is notable for its amazing stained glass windows and frescoes.
Museums in Tirana
On the central square of the Albanian capital is the main museum of the city and country - the National Historical Museum. It is easy to recognize by its huge mosaic, standing on top of its facade. The exhibition contains many artifacts from ancient times to the Khoja regime, including the terrible system of labor camps in Albania.
The National Art Gallery offers visitors an acquaintance with the art of the 13th-21st centuries. The exhibition must be seen at least for the works of the era of socialist realism. At the back of the museum are statues of Lenin and Stalin. Here, a lot reminds of the close friendship of the Soviet and Albanian peoples, and sometimes it’s hard to understand, and Tirana is the capital of which country?
The National Archaeological Museum of Albania displays ancient artifacts of the Illyrian and Romanesque tribes. Reviews of tourists report that the visitors are especially impressed by the beautiful mosaics, Roman statues and historical maps presented here.
An open-air museum can be called the Cemetery of Martyrs, sometimes this graveyard is called the necropolis of heroes. The remains of 900 partisans who fought for the liberation of Tirana are buried here. In 1985, the Albanian dictator Khoji found his last peace here, but in 1992 his body was exhumed and transported to the Sharra cemetery in the other end of the city.
On the graveyard you can also find a twelve-meter statue of Mother of Albania (the monument was erected in 1972). She stands on a beautiful hillside near the road leading to the city of Elbasan. It offers a magnificent view of the capital of Albania.
Where else to go in Tirana?
Tirana, the capital of Albania, offers many opportunities for its study. In the reviews, tourists write about visiting the zoo a. Animals are allowed to see here at arm's length. Near the zoological park is a botanical garden , which contains the most interesting representatives of the country's fauna.
In the evening you can visit the Opera and Ballet Theater . One large concert hall allows you to enjoy the sounds of a symphony orchestra, professional singing and choreography.
Mount Dajti is another popular recreation area. You can get on it using the funicular built by the Swiss. There are few restaurants and hotels upstairs, so you won’t be able to spend the night. But this place is ideal for walking in the fresh air. In winter, you can go skiing here, and in summer ride a bike or just leave the busy city for a while.
Prior to the fall of communism, the Ish-Bloku district was a closed territory, which allowed only party bonzes and their close associates. Today it is the fashionable youth district of Tirana. Among residential buildings, the best cafes, shops and restaurants, bars, clubs, discos are open. Here you can find the villa of the former dictator Enver Hoxha.
Be sure to climb the Skytower skyscraper . Upstairs is a cafe on a rotating platform. Sipping good coffee, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tirana. The reviews of tourists who have been here are full of enthusiastic stories about the colorful buildings surrounding the mountains, and at night - the lights of the big city.
Holidays and festivals
Each year, the arena for many interesting events of regional and global scale becomes Tirana. The sights of the capital and events attract the international community to participate in them. The summer holiday is celebrated on March 14 and Independence Day on November 28. Recently, a number of prestigious festivals have entered the city calendar.
These include:
- Tirana International Film Festival takes place in late November - early December. It covers the work of ethnic Albanian filmmakers.
- The International Exhibition of Contemporary Art Biennale is celebrated in Tirana every two years. The best masters of contemporary art are attracted to participate.
- Art Days in Tirana take place in various urban centers. Within 3 days, 25 events take place, starting from exhibitions and ending with film screenings.
- Sports marathon includes running and cycling along the main streets of the capital.
- Ethnic festival-fair provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the fruits of farm labor.
- The jazz festival presents this musical direction.
- The wine festival provides an opportunity to try a grape drink made in different parts of Albania.
Gastronomic features
Tirana, the capital of Albania, has many good and inexpensive cafes, restaurants and pizzerias in its arsenal. Most of them are located in the Bloku district, the epicenter of the city’s nightlife, as well as the presidium of the parliament and the presidential palace. Attendants often contact in English. Often there is a menu in the British language. Catering establishments represent European (French, Italian, American) and Oriental (Chinese, Japanese, Thai) cuisine.
Traditional Albanian dishes include grilled sausages and chickens, souvlaki, beetroot with cheese and spinach, doner, potato pies, fish and lobster, homemade bread, wine and fire raki. Reviews of tourists note that often themed nights are held in restaurants, vocal and instrumental groups perform.
Visitors can hear live songs from folk to jazz and rock, and even dance. Most establishments guarantee professional service, some offer scenic city views.
Souvenirs and shopping
Tirana, the capital of Albania, offers its customers many small shops and several huge shopping centers located on the outskirts of the city. Free buses go to them. In the capital, you can find almost everything: clothes, food, musical instruments, works of art. The furniture and shoes are very expensive and, for the most part, imported from Italy. In the markets you can find products cheaper and easier. Bazaars here are exclusively in the Turkish style - you need to bargain before the second advent. Sellers love and appreciate it, and also willingly concede.
Souvenir products: magnets, key chains, cups, plates, t-shirts, postcards, guides - are sold in special kiosks. The city of Tirana is so different for shopping. Reviews of tourists claim that even in the capital, most currency exchange offices accept a monetary unit of not all countries. Euros, dollars, pounds and other major currencies are accepted everywhere and without problems. Many stores accept Euros, but prices may be slightly more expensive. There are many ATMs in the city that accept Cirrus / Maestro and VISA.
10 ideas to stay in Tirana
- Enjoy Albanian hospitality.
- Rate the colorful houses of the capital.
- Enjoy great coffee and local beer, as well as delicious pastries and ice cream.
- Learn the moralizing story of the national Albanian hero - Skanderbeg.
- Visit museums.
- See the Pyramid of Tirana - a monument to the era of Stalinism.
- Relax in a large park on the lake with a fishing rod in hand.
- Make a day trip to the Adriatic Sea.
- Head away from city noise in Dajti National Mountain Park.
- Dance in one of the many night clubs.
What do travelers write?
Those who are fortunate enough to visit the Albanian capital, enthusiastically respond about their vacation. So, reading the reviews of tourists, we can conclude: Tirana captivates with beautiful parks, open markets, historical buildings, and also gives a strange feeling the unique encounters of Europe and the Middle East. Here at times it is very difficult to understand where the city of Tirana is located. After all, this, in fact, a Muslim country is still geographically located in Europe.