Historic places in Tirana

Historic places in Tirana

1. See

   Bektashism Museum

   The museum presents, through documents, photos and original objects, the history of Bektashism (an Islamic Sufistic movement) on a world scale and in particular of Albanian Bektashism. It is organized in 12 stands of 12 showcases, observing the 12 Imams. A very important angle is the one devoted to religious tolerance and harmony, which has contributed and contributes greatly to the Bektashi World Bishopric. Part of the Bektashi Museum are three environments: Chimney - Coffee, Ashurja and Pilgrimage. An important place is the close connection of Bektashism in Albania with the Albanian National Renaissance. Along with the activity of patriotic clerics, a special stand is dedicated to Frasheri brothers, where Naim Frasheri's contribution is distinguished.

   Daily 09:00–19:00

2. See

   Bunk'Art

   Enver Hoxha's Underground Bunker

   This fantastic conversion, from a massive cold war bunker on the outskirts of Tirana into a history and contemporary art museum, is easily a Tirana highlight. With almost 3,000 m² of space underground spread over several floors, the bunker was built for Albania's political elite in the 1970s and remained a secret for much of its existence. Now it hosts exhibits that combine the modern history of Albania with pieces of contemporary art.

   Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00·700 leke

3. See

   Dajti Castle ruins

   Albanian: Kalaja e Dajtit

   An archaeological site comprising the remains of a Roman fortification (built over an earlier Illyrian castle) on a mountainside of Mount Dajti.

4. See

   Fortress of Justinian (Tirana Castle remains)

   Albanian: Kalaja e Justinianit, Kalaja e Tiranës

   The history of this castle in dates back before 1300 and is a remnant from the Byzantine-era. The fortress is the place where the main east-west and north-south roads crossed, and formed the heart of Tirana. About all that's left of the fortress above ground is a 6-m-high Ottoman-era wall, covered in vines. In the 21st century, uncovered wall foundations were uncovered and incorporated into the pedestrianised Murat Toptani Street, while a mosaic commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Albania's Independence was unveiled near the Albanian Parliament. In December 2018, a new traditional bazaar was opened inside Tirana Castle with various traditional handicraft shops and traditional cuisine restaurants.

5. Do

   General's Beach

   Plazhi i Gjeneralit

   A popular seaside weekend retreat. The name stems from an Italian general who used to rest at this beach during World War II. Accommodation is available in form of wooden villas. An international resort is also being build nearby at Kalaja e Turres. Visit nearby Bashtova Castle and Shenepremte Church.

6. See

   Historical Museum of the Armed Forces

   Arms Museum

   This museum contains more than a thousand objects, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, decorated with gold and silver, a range of display cases with rifles of various types of Medieval, Renaissance, Skanderbeg's swords, of Ali Pasha Tepelena, aircraft, helicopters, tanks, four silhouettes, ground artillery, anti-aircraft of various calibres, as well as transport vehicles of different types. The two main pavilions are: the historic era pavilion 1470-1945 and the pavilion of 1945-1990. On the second floor are part of the uniforms used during the years by the Armed Forces to the newest uniforms. The first pavilion, besides the historical values, is also a testimony of the Albanian artisanship in this area.

   Tue-Sun 10:00 - 17:00·free

7. Do

   Lalzi Bay Beach

   Gjiri i Lalzit

   Popular weekend beach retreat where small seaside resorts can be found. This is also where Albania's wealthy rest. Visit Skanderbeg Castle along the cost, and a small church at Rodon Cape nearby.

8. Do

   Murat Toptani Street

   Murat Toptani Street is a pedestrian-only street east of Rinia Park constructed with stone near the Tirana Castle walls. Traditional houses, cafes, and a local park are found here.

9. See

   National Archaeological Museum

   Muzeu Arkeologjik Nacional

   Features ancient artifacts from Illyrian to Roman and Hellenic times: wonderful mosaics, Roman statues and illustrative maps. The collection here is comprehensive and impressive in parts, but there's only minimal labelling in Albanian and none at all in English (nor are tours in English offered), so you may find yourself a little at a loss unless this is your field.

   Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow·300 leke

10. See

    National Gallery of Arts

    Galeria Kombetare e Arteve

    Tracing the relatively brief history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day, this beautiful space also has temporary exhibitions. The interesting collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting scenes from daily Albanian life and others with a far more political dimension including some truly fabulous examples of Albanian socialist realism. The ground-floor part of the gallery is given over to temporary exhibitions of a far more modern and challenging kind.

    Closed for renovation·200 lek

11. See

    National History Museum

    Albanian: Muzeu Historik Kombëtar

    The largest museum in Albania holds many of the country's archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg's massive sword (how he held it, rode his horse and fought at the same time, is a mystery). The lighting might be poor but the excellent collection is almost entirely signed in English and takes you chronologically from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era. The collection of statues, mosaics and columns from Greek and Roman times is breathtaking.

    Closed for renovation until March 2028·500 leke

12. See

    National Library of Albania

    Biblioteka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë

    The library holds over a million books and is known for its ancient collections.

    Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00, Sat Sun 08:00-14:00

13. See

    Ndroqi Castle ruins

    Kalaja e Ndroqit

    Located on a pyramid-shaped hill. A cobblestone paved pass lead to the castle.

14. See

    Persqopi Archeological Site

    Qyteti antik i Persqopit

    Persqopi was an ancient city. It's on the Viles Hillside (malin e Vilës). The outer wall was 7 m high, the bastion 12 m high. The city is built using more than 2 m long and 1 m high stone elements. Take a stroll around the hill.

15. See

    Petrela Castle

    Petrelë Castle, Albanian: Kalaja e Petrelës

    This is one of Albania's best-preserved castles. It is known as an ancient settlement 2000 years old and was commanded by princess Mamica, the sister of the national hero, Skanderbeg.

    11:00–23:00?·free

16. See

    Preze Castle

    Kalaja e Prezës

    This 15th-century castle is on the picturesque hills of Preze village west of Rinas airport.

17. See

    Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

    Katedralja Ortodokse e Ringjalljes se Krishtit, Katedralja "Ngjallja e Krishtit" ne Tirane

    This cathedral features fascinating architecture and rich interior iconography. The church covered with a 23-m-high dome

18. Do

    Stroll along Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit

    Nation's Martyrs Boulevard

    A panoramic boulevard built by the Italians in the 1930s similar to the Champs de Elysee extending south from Skanderberg Square. The boulevard features Fascist, Communist, and modern architecture of government buildings, business centres and hotels. Many local parks are found here. This street runs from the south end of Skenderbeg Square, across the Lana River, to Mother Teresa Square. The sidewalks and crosswalks on this street are wider and more walkable than most in the city. If you walk southbound, the Polytechnic University of Tirana building is beautifully framed in the centre of the street. It's nice at night when all of the buildings, including the Polytechnic building, are lit up (and especially nice in December and early January when the trees and the buildings along the street are decorated with lights for the Holidays). The street passes by several Tirana landmarks, including the Park Rinia, the Pyramid, the Rogner Hotel, the President's Office, and the Palace of Congresses (event centre).

19. See

    Studio House "Kadare"

    This apartment was the residence of Kadare, an important writer, from 1974 to 1989, and his work place. It was designed by architect Maks Velo in 1972, was declared category II Culture Monument in 2015. The modernist and cubist building was called at that time "the palace with cubes", and represents the aspiration of Albanian architecture to be in step with time and in particular with the West. The Kadare Studio House will foster a deeper understanding of Albanian history during the dictatorship. It shows original documents, objects, books and furniture.

    1 May-15 Oct: Tue-Sat 09:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-17:00; 15 Oct-1 May: Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-15:00·Adult 500 lek, family (two or more persons) 250 lek, student 80 lek

20. See

    The Museum of the Bank of Albania

    The museum lies on two floors, each of which is conceived as an independent space from the other. On the first floor is presented the rich numismatic collection of the Bank of Albania from antiquity to the present day. The second floor of the museum presents the history of the central bank institution in Albania, its role in maintaining price stability and ensuring the country's financial stability, as well as its constitutional functions. Visitors can learn more about all aspects of money and economy, as well as better understand the function of Central Bank. Enter the building from Ibrahim Rugova street. To enter the museum, you must book your visit online and be provided with an identification document.

    Tue Wed Thu 09:00-15:00·Free

21. See

    Saint Paul Catholic Cathedral

    Kisha Katedralja e Shën Palit

    This modern cathedral features fascinating window murals.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tirana (CC BY-SA 4.0).