Tirana, the capital of Albania, is the country’s largest city, located in central Albania. Founded in the 17th century by the Ottoman Empire, Tirana has been under various occupations throughout history, including Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and later a communist regime, which fell in 1990. Today, Tirana is the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub, hosting major public institutions and universities.
In 2011, Albania was named the top travel destination by Lonely Planet, with Tirana as its main attraction.
Tourist Attractions in Tirana
If you visit Tirana, don’t miss:
Skanderbeg Square, one of the largest public squares in the Balkans, located at the city’s heart.
National History Museum, offering a deep dive into Albania’s past.
The Clock Tower, a landmark built in 1822.
Ethem Bey Mosque, an impressive Ottoman-era mosque from the 18th century.
Tirana Castle (Kalaja e Tiranës), a recently restored historic site with cafes and artisan shops.
Tabak Bridge, an old Ottoman stone bridge.
Education and Culture
Tirana is also an important academic hub, home to:
The University of Tirana, founded in 1957, with multiple faculties.
The Academy of Arts, founded in 1966, one of Albania’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
The National Library of Albania, housing a vast collection of books and manuscripts.
Other cultural and historical landmarks include:
The Headquarters of the Bektashi Sufi Order.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church and St. Prokop Orthodox Church.
The National Art Gallery, featuring works by Albanian artists.
The National Museum of Albania.
Petrela Fortress, a Byzantine-era fortress near the city.
Mother Albania Monument, a symbol of Albanian patriotism.
Festivals and Events
Tirana is renowned for its numerous film festivals, making it an ideal destination for cinema lovers. Some of the most important annual events include:
Albanian Film Festival.
International Human Rights Film Festival.
Tirana Film Festival.
Albanian Theatre Festival.
Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF).
How to Get to Tirana
If you wish to visit Tirana, you can fly to Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza with the following airlines: Aegean, ITA Airways, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Belle Air, KLM, and Air One.