Albania, Tirana: how to get, what to see and try

Albania has existed as an independent state for a little more than a century. However, the territory of the country was inhabited since prehistoric times and for a long time belonged to the Roman Empire, then Byzantium, and after the Ottoman Empire, until 1912.

The largest city, economic, political and cultural center, which Albania is proud of, is the capital of the Tirana. It is there to go to the curious tourists in search of impressions, original culture, monuments and interesting ethnic cuisine.

about country

It is well known that the territory of modern Albania was inhabited already during the Upper Paleolithic period. For centuries, the country was part of the great empires, and after the acquisition of independence, it almost immediately fell under the Italian, and then German occupation. After the war, there was a long socialist period of development and years of international isolation.

According to the latest data, the most backward European countries are Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania. Tirana keeps in its shape the features of all the milestones of development. More than 400 years of history, the city, laid by the Turkish military leader Suleiman Pasha, found majestic and pompous constructions of the Ottoman Empire, elegant Italian and typical Soviet architecture.

Tourism in the country has only just begun to develop, but is this not the reason to go to Albania among the first? To see its beautiful natural landscapes and get acquainted with the amazing national color? This is a budget alternative to Montenegro or Greece with the possibility of beach holidays on the Adriatic coast, and the popular English edition of The Telegraph has already called the country one of the most interesting destinations in the world of tourism.

Albania, Tirana: how to get there?

Albania is a developing tourist destination. It is best to get to Tirana by plane, however there are no direct flights from Russia yet. European airlines offer flights with a transfer 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 transfer to you will be available almost all of Albania. Tirana meets her guests at the Teresa International Mother's Hospital, which is located 17 km north-west of the capital. The distance is small, so you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus that runs every hour.

Transport communication of the city

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 historical center is compact, and it can easily be bypassed during a leisurely walking walk. If you want to see the whole city, then take a taxi (the price should be stipulated in advance) or by buses, or you can rent a bicycle.

Tirana (Albania): attractions

The city is young compared to many other European capitals . Therefore, the ancient monuments of architecture in it in large numbers you will not find. The heart of the country and Tirana is located on Skanderberg Square (on the first photo), named after the national hero of Albania. In the central part is a monument erected in 1968 on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of his death. The bronze eleven-meter statue towers majestically above the square.

One of the oldest monuments of history is the fortress of Justinian, or the castle of Petrell (pictured above). A historical place with buildings of the times of the Venetian era, however, preserved features of the Turkish Pasha and Albanian races.

An incredible mixture of nationalities and cultures - that's how Albania can be characterized. Tirana combines the attractions of the two main religions of the country - Christianity and Islam. Many mosques and temples were destroyed or closed, altered 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 mosque of Efem Bay, built in 1789-1823 and the old tobacco bridge (pictured below) from the times of the Ottoman Empire.

You can find out more about the country by visiting the National History Museum.

Albanian cuisine

If one of the points of your trip is Tirana (Albania), then the second task of each tourist after acquaintance with local attractions is the tasting of local dishes and drinks. The country's cuisine can hardly be called original, but it is very interesting and represents a kind of mix of traditions of all peoples who once inhabited this territory. The basis, of course, is vegetables and meat. It is necessary to try such dishes as scum, sarma (original cabbage rolls), traditional dessert - oshaf. Of the beverages of attention, of course, Turkish coffee and traditional alcoholic cancers, local wines deserve.

Markets and shops of the city

Noisy, bright and colorful oriental bazaars - this is what Albania has so far preserved. Tirana (photo presented in the article) is famous for the Eastern market, the largest in the city. Here you can buy 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. Souvenir products can be purchased in the area of Luigj Gurakuqi and Barrikadave, and Blok quarter is popular with its shops and boutiques with footwear and clothes.