Tirana Guidebook
Tirana
The National Historical Museum was opened on the 28th of October 1981 and is the largest museum in Albania. It occupies a total area of 27.000 m2 of which 18.000 m2 is used for exhibitions. The museum is unique in its construction following a symmetrical plan with a main courtyard.
The National Historical Museum gives a taste of the harmony in aesthetic and environment, creating an example of the communist regime under Enver Hoxha.
The National Historical Museum is known for its large mosaic on the facade. The Museum exhibits over 6200 museum artefacts belonging to a relatively long period of time; ranging from IV millennium BC to the second half of XX century.
The museum consists 8 main exhibit halls; the Pavilion of Antiquity, the Medieval Period Pavilion, the Albanian National Renaissance Pavilion, the Independence Pavilion, the Second World War and of the Albanian Resistance Movement Pavilion, the Pavilion of the Communist Terror, the Iconography Pavilion and Mother Teresa Pavilion.
It was designed and built by famed Albanian architects to avoid the sense of repetition or monotony. The specialists of this building include Sokrat Mosko, Enver Faja, Nina Shehu and Petraq Kolevica.
Alongside the exhibit halls, the museum is also home to a large part of the Albanian archives and laboratories. Exposition halls have also been used as conference and assembly halls.
Timetable : Monday Closed
Tuseday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday 09:00 – 14:00
167 Einheimische empfehlen
Nationalhistorisches Museum
7 Sheshi SkënderbejThe National Historical Museum was opened on the 28th of October 1981 and is the largest museum in Albania. It occupies a total area of 27.000 m2 of which 18.000 m2 is used for exhibitions. The museum is unique in its construction following a symmetrical plan with a main courtyard.
The National Historical Museum gives a taste of the harmony in aesthetic and environment, creating an example of the communist regime under Enver Hoxha.
The National Historical Museum is known for its large mosaic on the facade. The Museum exhibits over 6200 museum artefacts belonging to a relatively long period of time; ranging from IV millennium BC to the second half of XX century.
The museum consists 8 main exhibit halls; the Pavilion of Antiquity, the Medieval Period Pavilion, the Albanian National Renaissance Pavilion, the Independence Pavilion, the Second World War and of the Albanian Resistance Movement Pavilion, the Pavilion of the Communist Terror, the Iconography Pavilion and Mother Teresa Pavilion.
It was designed and built by famed Albanian architects to avoid the sense of repetition or monotony. The specialists of this building include Sokrat Mosko, Enver Faja, Nina Shehu and Petraq Kolevica.
Alongside the exhibit halls, the museum is also home to a large part of the Albanian archives and laboratories. Exposition halls have also been used as conference and assembly halls.
Timetable : Monday Closed
Tuseday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday 09:00 – 14:00
This is the only still existing mosque out of eight mosques that were built in Tirana in XVIII-XIX century.
Its foundation was laid by Molla Bey at the end of the century XVIII, and the chapel was completed by his son Haji Et’hem Bey in the first quarter of the XIX century. Molla Bey managed to build the dome of the mosque, but because of his death, the minaret, the portico, the plastering and the decoration of the mosque’s walls were left unfinished.
His son Haji Et'hem Bey finished the roof of the mosque, built the porch and decorated it with paintings and ornaments. The chapel was finished in 1236 'h (1820-1821).
The mosque is made of the chapel, portico on the north and east part of the mosque, and the minaret. The mosque stands on foundations in quadratic form with length and width 18,70 x 16.10 meters with a surface of 301 meters 2. It was built with stones brought from the village Shtish - Tufinë located on the east side of Tirana. None of the four facades of the mosque resemble to each other.
The prayer hall has a square plan and it was built with a unique volume covered with a leaden tin. Hall of Et’hem Bey’s Mosque in functional terms served in creating an environment with a second mihrab which served to pray for those who come later or not found a place in the prayer hall. The porch has the form of the letter "L", while the south part is closed with a wall. From the other side it is open with three arcades on columns, which, in contact with the walls are half columns. The porch is covered by a wooden roof and flat ceiling. Sanctuary has 18 windows in two horizontal lines, which gives her a limited light to create a mystical atmosphere. On the left and on the right side of the main gate were two graves. On the right is the tomb of Ballkizit, Sali Bey’s daughter and Haji Et'hem Bey’s wife, who died in 1260’h (1844), the tomb stone is still today. On the left is the tomb of Haji Et'hem Bey, where there is written the date of his death in 1265’h (1849) but the tiles tomb is missing.
This is part of the mosque complex buildings that make up the historic center of Tirana and is an architectural complex together with the Clock Tower. Et’em Bey’s Mosque was declared a cultural monument of the first category in 1948.
47 Einheimische empfehlen
Et`hem Bey Mosque
Sheshi SkënderbejThis is the only still existing mosque out of eight mosques that were built in Tirana in XVIII-XIX century.
Its foundation was laid by Molla Bey at the end of the century XVIII, and the chapel was completed by his son Haji Et’hem Bey in the first quarter of the XIX century. Molla Bey managed to build the dome of the mosque, but because of his death, the minaret, the portico, the plastering and the decoration of the mosque’s walls were left unfinished.
His son Haji Et'hem Bey finished the roof of the mosque, built the porch and decorated it with paintings and ornaments. The chapel was finished in 1236 'h (1820-1821).
The mosque is made of the chapel, portico on the north and east part of the mosque, and the minaret. The mosque stands on foundations in quadratic form with length and width 18,70 x 16.10 meters with a surface of 301 meters 2. It was built with stones brought from the village Shtish - Tufinë located on the east side of Tirana. None of the four facades of the mosque resemble to each other.
The prayer hall has a square plan and it was built with a unique volume covered with a leaden tin. Hall of Et’hem Bey’s Mosque in functional terms served in creating an environment with a second mihrab which served to pray for those who come later or not found a place in the prayer hall. The porch has the form of the letter "L", while the south part is closed with a wall. From the other side it is open with three arcades on columns, which, in contact with the walls are half columns. The porch is covered by a wooden roof and flat ceiling. Sanctuary has 18 windows in two horizontal lines, which gives her a limited light to create a mystical atmosphere. On the left and on the right side of the main gate were two graves. On the right is the tomb of Ballkizit, Sali Bey’s daughter and Haji Et'hem Bey’s wife, who died in 1260’h (1844), the tomb stone is still today. On the left is the tomb of Haji Et'hem Bey, where there is written the date of his death in 1265’h (1849) but the tiles tomb is missing.
This is part of the mosque complex buildings that make up the historic center of Tirana and is an architectural complex together with the Clock Tower. Et’em Bey’s Mosque was declared a cultural monument of the first category in 1948.
The Pinacotheca was the first institution of figurative arts in Albania. After a proper work and a lot of effort on 11th of January 1954 was officially open for the public the National Arts Gallery in Tirana.
The new vision about developing and exhibiting the figurative arts as well as the purchases increased the number of the art works and led to the request for a more functional building, which was inaugurated on 29th of November 1974, in “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, a building in which it still is today.
This Gallery has a varied collection that includes about 4500 works by foreign and Albanian artists. It offers an exhibition of a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
58 Einheimische empfehlen
National Gallery of Art
2 Shëtitorja Murat ToptaniThe Pinacotheca was the first institution of figurative arts in Albania. After a proper work and a lot of effort on 11th of January 1954 was officially open for the public the National Arts Gallery in Tirana.
The new vision about developing and exhibiting the figurative arts as well as the purchases increased the number of the art works and led to the request for a more functional building, which was inaugurated on 29th of November 1974, in “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, a building in which it still is today.
This Gallery has a varied collection that includes about 4500 works by foreign and Albanian artists. It offers an exhibition of a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
The Grand Park makes up the largest part of greenery in the city of Tirana. A functional space for relaxation and activity, the park opens space for free movement and running in nature for all ages. The Grand Park is made up of a large hill with gentle slopes. The southern side is known for its close proximity to the man-made lake.
The Grand Park started construction and development in the 1950s. 1955 started the initiative to create the man-made lake with surrounding water sources. A surrounding 400 meter dam was built by volunteers to prevent flooding. In the period of 1957-1958, trees and decorative greenery were added to build up the infrastructure of the park. This public park in the south of Tirana along with the man-made lake have many attraction points such as the Church of St. Procopius, children’s play spaces, the Mausoleum of the Royal Family, and memorials to war veterans. The graves of war veterans are both for British and German forces in World War 2.
The park and the artificial lake stay one of the most frequenly visited places in the capital city. The Grand Park is often known as the ‘lungs of the city’ with over 120 species of trees, bush, and flowers. The park is also home to birds such as the Gull Peak, the Mockingbird, Owls, Stone Sparrow, Small Water Snack, Common Swallow, and Gardalina. Turtles, lizards, several types of snakes, snails, and many insects growing under ground and on the ground also inhabit the park space in the center of the city.
132 Einheimische empfehlen
Liqeni Artificial i Tiranёs
The Grand Park makes up the largest part of greenery in the city of Tirana. A functional space for relaxation and activity, the park opens space for free movement and running in nature for all ages. The Grand Park is made up of a large hill with gentle slopes. The southern side is known for its close proximity to the man-made lake.
The Grand Park started construction and development in the 1950s. 1955 started the initiative to create the man-made lake with surrounding water sources. A surrounding 400 meter dam was built by volunteers to prevent flooding. In the period of 1957-1958, trees and decorative greenery were added to build up the infrastructure of the park. This public park in the south of Tirana along with the man-made lake have many attraction points such as the Church of St. Procopius, children’s play spaces, the Mausoleum of the Royal Family, and memorials to war veterans. The graves of war veterans are both for British and German forces in World War 2.
The park and the artificial lake stay one of the most frequenly visited places in the capital city. The Grand Park is often known as the ‘lungs of the city’ with over 120 species of trees, bush, and flowers. The park is also home to birds such as the Gull Peak, the Mockingbird, Owls, Stone Sparrow, Small Water Snack, Common Swallow, and Gardalina. Turtles, lizards, several types of snakes, snails, and many insects growing under ground and on the ground also inhabit the park space in the center of the city.
The castle is a field fortification with a rectangular plan of 160 x 125 meters, the longest side being the east-west wall. The preserved constructions of some of the towers and segments of the surrounding walls indicate that the castle is likely to have been built for the first time in antiquity, perhaps in the early Byzantine period (IV – VI century A.D). It is believed to belong to one of the fortifications built or reconstructed by the Emperor Justinian in the New Epirus (province of Durrës).
A part of the city walls that are seen today on land belong to the constructions of the last centuries, which were built by Ahmet Pasha Bargjini (1788 - 1809) in the last decade of the XVIII century on the ruins of the old castle.
In 1798 the castle fell into the hands of the Toptani family of Kruja. During this period it was placed in the center and became a subject of war between the Toptani family and the Bushatllinj rulers of Shkodra. In 1817 it underwent a siege of 5 (five) months, which had serious consequences not only for the fortress but also for a big part of the city. After the bombing, the castle was rebuilt in part by the Toptani family, until 1832 when it fell due to the incursions of the Ottoman army led by Mehmet Resit Pasha, who ordered the destruction of all forts.
Today a part of the north wall and the leaflets on the southern side of it are still conserved, which is combined with the enchanting surrounding infrastructure.
49 Einheimische empfehlen
Kalaja e Tiranës
Shëtitorja Murat ToptaniThe castle is a field fortification with a rectangular plan of 160 x 125 meters, the longest side being the east-west wall. The preserved constructions of some of the towers and segments of the surrounding walls indicate that the castle is likely to have been built for the first time in antiquity, perhaps in the early Byzantine period (IV – VI century A.D). It is believed to belong to one of the fortifications built or reconstructed by the Emperor Justinian in the New Epirus (province of Durrës).
A part of the city walls that are seen today on land belong to the constructions of the last centuries, which were built by Ahmet Pasha Bargjini (1788 - 1809) in the last decade of the XVIII century on the ruins of the old castle.
In 1798 the castle fell into the hands of the Toptani family of Kruja. During this period it was placed in the center and became a subject of war between the Toptani family and the Bushatllinj rulers of Shkodra. In 1817 it underwent a siege of 5 (five) months, which had serious consequences not only for the fortress but also for a big part of the city. After the bombing, the castle was rebuilt in part by the Toptani family, until 1832 when it fell due to the incursions of the Ottoman army led by Mehmet Resit Pasha, who ordered the destruction of all forts.
Today a part of the north wall and the leaflets on the southern side of it are still conserved, which is combined with the enchanting surrounding infrastructure.
This square was named Scanderbeg’s Square on the 26th of November 1937. It was projected in a round shape and with a round fountain in the middle, while the dominating building was the old City Hall which was destroyed in 1980. This square was surrounded by traditional constructions: The Old Bazaar, The Clock Tower, The Et'hem Bey Mosque, The Evangelistic Church (which was destroyed later), etc.
But during socialism period in this square was placed Stalin statue (4th of November 1951) which stayed there until 1968 when it was replaced with the monument of George Kastriot Scanderbeg. The monument was placed there on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of our national hero. This monument is an art work of the sculptors Odhise Paskali, Janaq Paço and Shaban Hadëri. It was inaugurated on 11th of January 1968.
Now, Scanderbeg Square is an open space dedicated only for pedestrians. Layed with stone from all regions of Albania and fountains that repurpose rainwater, this project is meant to be a center piece for the city; uniting Albania as a country with the use of trees, plants, and greenery from every zone in Albania.
52 Einheimische empfehlen
Skanderbeg Square
This square was named Scanderbeg’s Square on the 26th of November 1937. It was projected in a round shape and with a round fountain in the middle, while the dominating building was the old City Hall which was destroyed in 1980. This square was surrounded by traditional constructions: The Old Bazaar, The Clock Tower, The Et'hem Bey Mosque, The Evangelistic Church (which was destroyed later), etc.
But during socialism period in this square was placed Stalin statue (4th of November 1951) which stayed there until 1968 when it was replaced with the monument of George Kastriot Scanderbeg. The monument was placed there on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of our national hero. This monument is an art work of the sculptors Odhise Paskali, Janaq Paço and Shaban Hadëri. It was inaugurated on 11th of January 1968.
Now, Scanderbeg Square is an open space dedicated only for pedestrians. Layed with stone from all regions of Albania and fountains that repurpose rainwater, this project is meant to be a center piece for the city; uniting Albania as a country with the use of trees, plants, and greenery from every zone in Albania.
Admire the beauty of Resurrection of Christ Orthodox
Cathedral. It was open in 2012 to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the revival of the Albanian Orthodox
Church. The structure is designed in a modern, almost
futuristic style with clean curves and eggshell-colored
exterior. The cathedral is also the third-largest Orthodox
cathedrals in the Balkans. With its modern take that
aintains the usual Orthodox architectural desigr
but with a unique touch that doesn't conform to any
traditional religious architecture, the cathedral stands
out as one of the most impressive structures in Tirana
that you should definitely check out
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
1 Rruga Ibrahim RugovaAdmire the beauty of Resurrection of Christ Orthodox
Cathedral. It was open in 2012 to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the revival of the Albanian Orthodox
Church. The structure is designed in a modern, almost
futuristic style with clean curves and eggshell-colored
exterior. The cathedral is also the third-largest Orthodox
cathedrals in the Balkans. With its modern take that
aintains the usual Orthodox architectural desigr
but with a unique touch that doesn't conform to any
traditional religious architecture, the cathedral stands
out as one of the most impressive structures in Tirana
that you should definitely check out
The Museum of Secret Surveillance: " House of leaves"
Built in 1931, this house originally had the function of an obstetric clinic, at the initiative and direction of the notable Albanian doctor Dr. Jani Basho (1892-1957). During the World War Il, under German occupation, the building was under the control of the Gestapo.
In the post-war years, this house was used as an investigative center, as well as the place where torture took place, It was used until 1948 when Albania broke ties with Yugoslavia. Starting in the 1950's, the buildings functions changed.
52 Einheimische empfehlen
House of Leaves
The Museum of Secret Surveillance: " House of leaves"
Built in 1931, this house originally had the function of an obstetric clinic, at the initiative and direction of the notable Albanian doctor Dr. Jani Basho (1892-1957). During the World War Il, under German occupation, the building was under the control of the Gestapo.
In the post-war years, this house was used as an investigative center, as well as the place where torture took place, It was used until 1948 when Albania broke ties with Yugoslavia. Starting in the 1950's, the buildings functions changed.
Equos Resort, located in Tirana, 8.5 miles from Skanderbeg Square, the largest water park in the region, which has thought for everyone. Where fun is present every day of the week! 7 pools that differ from each other due to their special features. Entertainment for children and adults. A program rich in events, animation shows, parties, performances and various games. Where no day is like another. The most unique slides with high safety that will give you adrenaline all the time. Hotel with 15 suites where you will find originality and comfort. There is no lack of dedicated and quality service to you, to give you real moments of relaxation. Welcome to Equos Resort, where fun knows no limit!
EQUOS Resort
Equos Resort, located in Tirana, 8.5 miles from Skanderbeg Square, the largest water park in the region, which has thought for everyone. Where fun is present every day of the week! 7 pools that differ from each other due to their special features. Entertainment for children and adults. A program rich in events, animation shows, parties, performances and various games. Where no day is like another. The most unique slides with high safety that will give you adrenaline all the time. Hotel with 15 suites where you will find originality and comfort. There is no lack of dedicated and quality service to you, to give you real moments of relaxation. Welcome to Equos Resort, where fun knows no limit!
This museum is set up in the premises of the former anti-atomic shelter of the Interior Ministry. The Interior Ministry tunnel was built between 1981 and 1986 and can be considered one of the last "major works" performed by the communist regime.
This bunker in the then-code called the "Pillar Object" consists of 24 rooms, one apartment reserved to the Interior Minister and a large hall dedicated to interconnection. Like many other bunkers of this size, this is also built to cope with a potential chemical and nuclear attacks.
BunkArt 2
Street Abdi ToptaniThis museum is set up in the premises of the former anti-atomic shelter of the Interior Ministry. The Interior Ministry tunnel was built between 1981 and 1986 and can be considered one of the last "major works" performed by the communist regime.
This bunker in the then-code called the "Pillar Object" consists of 24 rooms, one apartment reserved to the Interior Minister and a large hall dedicated to interconnection. Like many other bunkers of this size, this is also built to cope with a potential chemical and nuclear attacks.
Blloku
Block Area
The Communist Block was the former residence of senior members of the Communist Party. It was known to be a restricted area to ordinary citizens.
Block area has a unique story. Some of the city's most beautiful villas are settled here since the pre-war period. Enver Hoxha returned it in his own and to the "comrades" of communist leadership residence. The existing houses were enlarged and expanded, almost hiding behind the greenery and scary atmosphere surrounding the forbidden area of the capital.
Today, this neighbourhood is no longer the one covered by greenery, but a special amalgam of multi-storey buildings, villas converted into international residences, luxury boutiques, cafes and clubs packed in a small area.
Block area has turned into one of the largest and most frequented night-life spots especially by youth, due to the diversity of services and luxury pubs. Definitely, whoever wants more nightlife, light and nightclub, should go to the Block.
The Former Villa of Enver Hoxha
This villa was the home of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha, and is a construction of the Communist Era. This complex imitates the architecture of the 30’s, and consists of a heavy concrete construction with large slabs of white stone. This home sits in the middle of the old Communist Block, known in Albanian as ‘ish-Blloku’, and has been an intangible object, taboo, with a lot of mysteries at the time of the communist dictatorship.
132 Einheimische empfehlen
Blloku
Block Area
The Communist Block was the former residence of senior members of the Communist Party. It was known to be a restricted area to ordinary citizens.
Block area has a unique story. Some of the city's most beautiful villas are settled here since the pre-war period. Enver Hoxha returned it in his own and to the "comrades" of communist leadership residence. The existing houses were enlarged and expanded, almost hiding behind the greenery and scary atmosphere surrounding the forbidden area of the capital.
Today, this neighbourhood is no longer the one covered by greenery, but a special amalgam of multi-storey buildings, villas converted into international residences, luxury boutiques, cafes and clubs packed in a small area.
Block area has turned into one of the largest and most frequented night-life spots especially by youth, due to the diversity of services and luxury pubs. Definitely, whoever wants more nightlife, light and nightclub, should go to the Block.
The Former Villa of Enver Hoxha
This villa was the home of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha, and is a construction of the Communist Era. This complex imitates the architecture of the 30’s, and consists of a heavy concrete construction with large slabs of white stone. This home sits in the middle of the old Communist Block, known in Albanian as ‘ish-Blloku’, and has been an intangible object, taboo, with a lot of mysteries at the time of the communist dictatorship.
Sightseeing
The Clock Tower of Tirana
Tipps für Reisende
Nicht verpassen
Bunkart 1
Beginning from April 2016, "Bunk'Art" is open to the public permanently.
In June 1978, the dictator Enver Hoxha inaugurated the anti-nuclear bunker built by the then communist government. It is a 5 floors underground building with 106 rooms and a congress hall, now transformed into a historical-artistic center called "Bunk'Art".
"Bunk'Art" contains: The Historical Exhibition, the Museum Exhibition and Artistic Installations. The historical exhibition reflects: 1) Italy's landing period in Albania, the resistance of the Albanian people and the capitulation of Italy. (1939-1943), 2) Diplomacy
Nützliche Sätze
HELLO - PËRSHËNDETJE
Thank you - Faleminderit
Sorry - Më Falni
Goodbye - Mirëupafshim