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When in Tirana
Much of what you will see in the centre of Tirana is the work of the Italian architects Florestano de Fausto and Armando Brasini during the Mussolini years of occupation of World War II. The Germans also had control of the city for a while before leaving in 1944, following which local communists seized power of the country. Communist rule lasted until 1989, since when democracy and capitalism have attempted to move the country forward. There have been signs recently that Albania and Tirana are on the up. The city was founded in 1614, with a bakery, mosque and sauna among the first edifices to go up.
The Skënderberg Square in the centre of the city is well worth a look around and is a good starting point for exploring various attractions. It is absolutely enormous and acts as a meeting place for many locals, although you could make plans to meet someone here and still spend all day looking for them. On the north edge of the square you will find the National Museum, which has a variety of interesting displays explaining the history of the country and its people.
Et'hem Bey Mosque at the south east corner of the square was begun in 1789 but only finished in 1821. Although the average visitor is unlikely to gain admittance on a whim the clock tower next door is something more of a tourist attraction. Work started on the tower in 1821 and its height was raised to a full 35 metres in 1928, when a German clock was installed to chime out.
Mount Dajti looms over the eastern side of the city and it is possible to join a trip up for some spectacular views of Tirana and beyond, although car hire is also possible.
Also out of town is the fourth century fortress of Petrela. It is just eight miles from Tirana and is well worth investigating. Most of the architecture you will see today is from the 13th century when the Topia tribe were in control of the area.
The Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza is 15 miles north-west of the city centre and welcomes a number of international flights each week. A cheap taxi is the best bet in to town.
Ferries are a possibility from Durres, around half an hour out of town. There are regular ferries to Trieste in Italy and Koper in Slovenia. There is also a quick catamaran service to the Italian city of Bari.
There is no international rail link although the capital is connected with Durres and Pogradec. Buses are possible, with some services heading to the Greek, Macedonian and Kosovan borders, with taxis taking you the last stretch from where other buses will take you on.
There is never a bad time to visit, with winter averages of around 7C, while summer daytime temperatures come to around 24C in July, although this could be a little warm for some.
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Introduction
