SIGHTS OF ALBANIA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS, PHOTO AND DESCRIPTION

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Most tourists do not consider Albania a tourist country. And the blame for this was the totalitarian regime of the dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country for about 40 years. Also destructive is the Kosovo war, in which the Albanian separatists opposed Yugoslavia. But today the Republic of Albania and its attractions are increasingly attracting travelers with its ancient monuments and buildings, impressive natural views, clean sea and health resorts.

Before learning what to see from the sights of Albania, we want to ask you: did you know that more than 60% of Muslims live in Albania and it is the only European Muslim country? English is practically not spoken here, and the Albanian language is so difficult that it is very problematic to get directions from a local resident. "Therefore, we advise you to purchase a guide to the sights of Albania with photos and descriptions, and go to get acquainted with them!"

Skanderbeg square

Let's start our acquaintance with Albania from the capital - Tirana and its main square, named after the national hero. A monument to him was installed here instead of the statue of Joseph Stalin that stood earlier. The style of Italian classicism gives restraint and grandeur to the square. The main attractions of Albania are located around the square: the Haji Efem Bay Mosque, the National Museum, the Opera House, the old clock tower of Saat Kuda, erected in the early 19th century.

address: Tirana, center

Haji Efem Bay Mosque

The foundation of the mosque was laid by Mullah Bey at the end of the 18th century. Since he gave his money to the poor and the suffering, he could not finish building it and it fell to his son to complete the construction. The mosque is interesting in that it has a tower 35 m high and is lined with frescoes on a divine theme and with images of ordinary nature: trees, waterfalls, bridges.

address: pl. Skanderberg
working hours: from 8 to 20 hours
admission is free, not allowed during prayers

National Museum

Continues the attractions of Tirana in Albania National Museum. Founded in 1981, it has collected more than 5 thousand exhibits and has become the largest in the country. Tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the history of Albania since ancient times. There are exhibits from the Paleolithic, Middle Ages. In the pavilions of anti-fascism and independence, one can learn about the modern history of the country, and in the pavilions of iconography and ethnography, learn more about national traditions.

address: pl. Skanderberg, 1
working hours: Tue-Sat. from 9 am to 5 pm, Sun. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
entrance - $ 1.6

Clock tower

Built in 1822, the tower has become a symbol of the city. Its height is 35 m, but initially it was only 15 m and was intended to alert residents of the danger. After 100 years, during the reconstruction, it was decided to complete its construction and install a German-made clock, which is still working. "You can climb the tower and view the city from above."

address: pl. Skanderberg
working hours: Mon, Wed, Sat from 10 am to 6 pm.
entrance - $ 4.8

Enver Hoxha's underground bunker

On the territory of this small country there are about 700 thousand bunkers - the result of the dictator's paranoid fear of a non-existent enemy. Sadly, this is one of the things that Albania is known for. In 2014, one of the bunkers for Khoja and the party leadership was opened for everyone to see. This is a whole underground city, a museum of the political regime. The historical museum and art gallery Bunk'Art are open here.

address: st. Fadil Deliu
working hours: from 9 to 18 hours.
entrance - $ 4.5

Cultural Center "Pyramid"

The building was designed for the museum of ruler Enver Hoxha by his daughter and son-in-law. After the fall of the Khoja regime, the museum was closed, and now it is a multifunctional building with a youth club, a television center and a modern conference hall. The unique design of the walls allows climbing on them, which is why the site has become popular for photography. "We suggest you take a couple of spectacular photos with the pyramid in the background."

address: Boulevard Martyrs of the Nation
working hours: from 8 to 22 hours.
entrance - $ 0.9

Durres amphitheater

Ancient buildings are among the places that every tourist is interested in seeing in Albania. The amphitheater is a large and important site of this kind. It was built at the end of the 1st century as an arena for 20 thousand people. It was discovered in 1996 during excavations. It belongs to special architectural and artistic values on a par with Italian Pompeii.

address: Durres, st. Kalase
working hours: from 9 to 21 hours.
entrance - $ 1.8

Church of Saints Paul and Asia

One of the most iconic buildings in Albania was opened in May 2009. The two-storey temple with a domed basilica and a gallery around the perimeter is lined with white stone. The roof is covered with Byzantine tiles. Interiors with columns and balconies. The wooden parts of the interior were made by hand by Albanian craftsmen, icons and wall frescoes by specialists from the local iconographic workshop. And the bell tower of the temple has an electronic control system.

Address: Durres, Egnatia Highway
working hours - daily

Petrella Castle

Attractions Kruja is represented by a castle built in the 5th century by Emperor Justinian. For several centuries, it has undergone many attacks, but it has survived to this day and is perfectly preserved. Historical feature films and commercials are often shot here. The castle has been restored and has become a favorite vacation spot. "We advise you to go up to the observation deck, which offers a gorgeous view of the surroundings."

address: Kruja, st. Durishti
working hours - from 9 to 18 hours.
admission is free.

Bridge of the masses

The monument of Ottoman architecture was built in 1768 across the Kir river near the city of Shkoder. Tourists tend to look at it because of some peculiarities: 13 arches of the bridge are located asymmetrically, the right span is lowered 5 meters from the main arch. The hewn bridge and the stone slabs from which the bridge is built have stood the test of time. In 2010 it was restored and now it serves as a place for walking.

address: 8 km from Shkoder city.

Chobo winery

One of the private wineries that Albania is famous for lately. The hosts are always glad to see tourists. You will be introduced to real production small workshops, they will tell you everything about grapes and wines, they will lead you to a wine cellar, and show you their various collections. And then they will offer to taste a noble drink of their own production.

address: Berat
wine tasting - $ 10.

Ethnographical museum

Tourists who find themselves in the Kruja Fortress are eager to visit this museum due to its full authenticity of the mid-18th century. This is not a recreated, but a well-preserved well-to-do manor house of that time with authentic furnishings and exhibits. Homesteads, outbuildings, toys, dishes and much more give a complete picture of the way of life of the Albanians.

address: Kruja, Kruja fortress
opening hours - Sun-Sat. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
entrance - $ 2.2.

Ksamil resort

One of the few places for which beach Albania is famous, the most famous resort in the country with the cleanest beaches and water is ideal for families with children. At first glance, it may seem that there is coarse sand on the beach of incredible whiteness. In fact, these are small pebbles, ground to a state of sand. The sea water is so blue that it resembles pool water. And there are also small uninhabited islands nearby, which you can simply swim to.

address: 15 km. from Saranda

Source "Blue Eye"

The karst spring has been recognized as a natural monument since 1996 and belongs to rare geological objects. The name justifies itself. The source water is really deep blue and it seems bottomless.In fact, its depth cannot be measured due to the high pressure of water from the bowels. "The water is very cold here even in summer, so we don't recommend swimming."

address: Saranda

Rozafa fortress

An architectural monument, erected in the 3rd century BC, is located on the rocks between two rivers. According to legend, the three brothers could not strengthen the walls in any way, and then they decided to brick up the wife of one of them, Rozafa. She accepted this news with dignity and asked to brick her up with her son. Today the fortress has become a place of pilgrimage for young women who dream of becoming mothers. And tourists are attracted by ancient walls, history and a museum.

address: Shkoder city
working hours - from 9 to 20 hours.
entrance - $ 1.8

What to see in Albania on your own by car?

This European country is so interesting that it is much more exciting and accessible to see many attractions in Albania by car than on a sightseeing tour, which will mostly consist of shopping. You can visit little-known, but no less interesting places. The republic is located next to Montenegro, so it is more convenient to get to it from this country by a rented car. The main sights, where to visit in Albania by car from Montenegro, start from the city Shkoder and fortress rozafa... It is also located here lead mosque, the walls of which, according to legend, are indeed reinforced with lead. Then we follow through the ancient bridge of Mess and we find ourselves in the town Leger with its strength and the monastery of St. Anthony.

By the way, from the fortress you can clearly see the numerous bunkers built here during the time of Khoja. Then our path lies in To the tyrant, to Skanderberg Square, where the main attractions of the country are located. And then straight to I cut, the ancient capital of Albania. Watchtower, Skanderberg Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Fortress, Petrella Castle - there are many attractions for a small town.

It is quite possible to make such a trip in 4-5 days. In addition, on the way you will come across small towns with their own, mostly ancient, but no less interesting monuments and picturesque nature. All this leaves deep impressions and beckons to return to the country again.