Sights and landmarks in Tirana

Sights and landmarks 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

   Blloku or Ish-Blloku

   The Block

   Among the apartment blocks, one can find some of Tirana's trendiest cafés, shops, and restaurants. Here is also located the villa of the former dictator, Enver Hoxha. During communism, the area was reserved solely for government officials and was not allowed to be entered by the commoner. It was opened to the public in 1991 and since became the number one spot for Tirana's youth. At night the area gets full of people especially on weekends when most night clubs are full. The streets, especially in summer afternoons, are filled with Tirana's citizens and expensive cars cruising around. From the Block you can go almost anywhere for less than 10-15 minutes. If you need to have a coffee or relax while taking a look at the parade of trendy and elegant people, the block is a perfect place for you. In the Block you can buy trendy clothing items and French delicacies. You can also get taxis.

3. 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

4. See

   Bunk'Art 2

   The little cousin to the main Bunk'art, this museum, which is within a communist-era bunker and underground tunnel system below the ministry of Interior Affairs, focuses on the role of the police and security services in Albania through the turbulent 20th century. While the bunker itself might not be especially interesting, the story on the dictatorial regime and internal anti-dissident security forces has been very well executed and makes for a fascinating journey behind police lines.

   Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow·700 leke

5. See

   Bush Street

   Rruga Presidenti George W. Bush

   This street was named after US President George W. Bush in honour of his 2007 visit.

6. See

   Clock Tower

   Kulla e Sahatit

   This tower has become a symbol of Tirana. It is one of the oldest constructions in Tirana, built in the 1820s. Don't forget to visit the nearby Clock Towers of Albania Museum featuring Clock Towers from around Albania, and traditional costumes from Tirana region. The stairs have 90 steps that go in a spiral fashion. It is 35 m (115 ft) tall and was the tallest building in Tirana at the time.

   Sat-Mon Wed 09:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00·10 lek

7. 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.

8. See

   Et'hem Bey Mosque

   Xhamia e Et'hem Beut

   Construction of this mosque took about 28 years and finished in 1821. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Albania with very interesting decorations and artwork within it. Reopened in 2021 after full restoration.

   Daily 08:00-22:00 (summer), 08:00-19:00 (winter)

9. 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.

10. 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

11. See

    House of Leaves

    This grand old 1930s building started life as Albania's first maternity hospital, but within a few years the focus turned from creating new lives to ending lives as the hospital was converted to an interrogation and surveillance centre (read: torture house). It remained as such until the fall of the communist regime. Today, the House of Leaves is a museum dedicated to surveillance and interrogation in Albania.

    Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow·700 Leke

12. See

    Kapllan Pasha Tomb

    Tyrbja e Kapllan Pashës

    Built in 1820, originally next to a mosque which was destroyed during WWII. Kapllan Pasha was an Ottoman ruler of Tirana who was buried here, but his remains were later moved to Istanbul.

13. See

    Martyrs' Cemetery

    Varrezat e Dëshmorëve të Kombit

    This is the cemetery where the remains of 900 partisans that fought for Tirana are buried. Here one can also find the 12-m statue of Mother Albania built in 1972 (Monumenti Nëna Shqipëri). Hoxha was buried here in 1985 but exhumed in 1992 and moved to the other side of the city.

14. See

    Mosque 'Kokonozit'

    Xhamia e Kokonozit

    Finished in 1750 during Ottoman rule and one of the few that survived the Communist rule intact. During that time the building functioned as a storehouse and a tobacco shop, then in 1991 it was returned to its original use.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. See

    Natural Sciences Museum of Albania

    Muzeu i Shkencave Natyrore

    This museum features the fauna and geological composition of Albania.

20. See

    Ndroqi Castle ruins

    Kalaja e Ndroqit

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

21. 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.

22. 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

23. See

    Piramid

    International Centre of Culture

    Completely renovated and reopened in May 2023, the pyramid was built in 1987 according to the design of Enver Hoxha's daughter and was opened as a museum dedicated to her father. In 2007 US President George W. Bush gave a speech in front of this building. The building was the most expensive erected under communism, but by 2017 it had been empty and derelict for some time and threatened with demolition, instead it was saved and rebuilt. It is possible to walk up the stairs to its peak and get a nice view of the city.

    During daylight

24. See

    Preze Castle

    Kalaja e Prezës

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

25. 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

26. See

    Sali Shijaku's Traditional House

    Shtëpia Sali Shijaku

    This well-preserved traditional house owned by painter Sali Shijaku features art displays, traditional house emnities, and a restaurant.

    Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow

27. 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

28. See

    Tanners' Bridge

    Tabak Bridge, Albanian: Ura e Tabakëve

    This is an 18th-century Ottoman period stone footbridge. The bridge was once part of the Shëngjergj Road that linked Tirana with the eastern highlands. The Shëngjergj Road furnished the city with agricultural produce and livestock. The bridge went across the Lanë stream and was adjacent to the area of butchers and leather workers. The Lanë was rerouted in the 1930s and the bridge was neglected. In the 1990s the bridge was restored to its former glory and is now used by pedestrians only. The Tanners' Bridge is composed by a main arch, on which the bridge raises in a back shape. This arch has the light span of 8 m and is built with two ranks of sideway arches which are 1 meter thick. The height from the water was 3.5 m. The pavement of the bridge with 2.5 m in width, constructed with river stones and placed without any apparent order. In the two sides of the main arch, there are two arches in the shape of circular segments with a small space

29. See

    Tanners' Mosque

    Xhamia e Tabakëve

    Built in the 17th century in a part of the city where leather workers lived. It was largely destroyed by a lightning strike in 1927, but quickly rebuilt. Functioning as a storehouse during the Communist rule, in 1990 it was renovated and reopened, and a new minaret was built. Nearby there is also a bridge named the Tanners' Bridge (Ura e Tabakëve).

30. 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

31. See

    The Sheh Dyrri Teqe

    Teqja e Sheh Dyrrit

    This is a teqe (teqe or cemevi is a Turkish meeting house for communal worship service) in Tirana. Back in the day it was also the home of a local sheikh. It's listed as a cultural monument of Albania, however it's private property and can likely only be seen from the outside.

32. See

    Tirana Mosaic

    Mozaiku i Tiranes

    The mosaic was discovered following excavations for an apartment complex. Various artifacts point to the presence of a village in the area thousands of years ago. This is the only archaeological site in Tirana.

33. See

    Tirana Zoo

    Kopshti Zoologjik Tiranë

    Visiting this zoo is an odd experience; there are few animals but you will see them at remarkably close range. Nearby is the Botanical Garden featuring the best of Albania's fauna.

    Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow·Adults €10, Children under 12 €5

34. See

    ZETA Center for Contemporary Art

    As non-profit exhibition space founded in 2007. With its 150 m² area on the second floor of a mixed residential and commercial building at Abdyl Frashëri Street No.7 in the Blloku area of Tirana (zona Libri Universitar: between Santa Margherita Wine Shop and LC Waikiki Store), ZETA functions as an autonomous cultural venue for contemporary visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, sound, and performance. Besides exhibitions, ZETA also hosts educational programs, workshops and discursive events, in cooperation with local and international partners.

    Mon-Fri 11:00-18:00, Sat 11:00-14:00·Free entrance

35. See

    Catholic Church

    Kisha Katolike

    Rruga Mujo Ulqinaku

36. See

    Orthodox Church

    Kisha Ortodokse

    Rruga e Kavajës

37. 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).