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The city center of Tirana may seem short on sightseeing, but between the museums, religious buildings, and the Blloku area, there’s enough to keep a visitor busy for a day or two.
Skënderbej Square
A good place to start is Skënderbej Square (Sheshi Skënderbej), the main square in Tirana. It’s surrounded by several government buildings, the National Historical Museum (Muzeu Historik Kombëtar), Palace of Culture (Pallati i Kulturës), and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
In the center of a grassy area in the square sits a large Albanian flag and a monument dedicated to Gjergj Kastrioti, also known as Skënderbej. He led a revolt against Ottoman forces that kept Albania free for 25 years, and is hailed as the “Savior of Christianity” by some because his revolt prevented a full-scale Ottoman attack of Europe. There were once statues of Joseph Stalin and Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, but they were removed after the fall of communism.
National Historical Museum
On one side of the square, the National Historical Museum (Muzeu Historik Kombëtar) is easily noticed by the giant mosaic on the front, titled “The Albanians”. It’s the largest museum in Albania and opened in 1981. I didn’t visit, but I was told it was worth the time. The museum is closed for reconstruction and is expected to reopen on March 15, 2028 (as of July 2024).
Palace of Culture
On another side is the Palace of Culture (Pallati i Kulturës), which holds the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the National Library of Albania. The first stone of the building was laid by Nikita Krushchev in 1959 and it was finished in 1963.
Monuments
A short walk east of the square is the TID Tower, which is the tallest building in the city at 25 stories. In its shadow sits a statue of Sulejman Pashë Ballgjini, the Ottoman general who founded Tirana in 1618. A few steps away is the Unknown Partisan Monument, dedicated to the Albanians who died fighting fascism. It was erected on the former site of the Sulejman Pasha Mosque, built in 1614.
Tomb of Kapllan Pasha
Across the street is another Ottoman landmark, the tomb of Kapllan Pasha, built in 1817. Kapllan Pasha was the ruler of Tirana in the early 19th century. The tomb was under restoration during my visit.
Fortress of Justinian
The Fortress of Justinian, a Byzantine fortress built in the 6th century when Tirana was just an outpost, is located a block south of the tomb of Kaplan Pasha. It’s located on a nice pedestrian street lined with a few cafés.
Albanian Parliament
East of the fortress is a small park with views of Albanian Parliament (Kuvendi i Shqipërisë), and the oddly-named George W. Bush Street. Across Bush Street is the former headquarters for the politically persecuted Albanians, Shoqata Mbarëkombëtare e të Përndjekurve Politikë Shqiptare.
Tanner’s Bridge
Continuing along the road past the building is the Tanner’s Bridge (Ura e Tabakëve), an Ottoman footbridge built in the 18th century over the Lanë River. It used to be the main connection between Tirana and the eastern highlands. When the Lanë River was rerouted in the 1930s, the bridge lost its importance.
Rinia Park
Between Skënderbej Square and the river is Rinia Park (Parku Rinia). It was developed in 1950 during communist times and now has a building full of restaurants and cafés. After the fall of communism, the park was filled with over 130 illegal buildings that were demolished in 2000.
Roman Mosaic
A bit out of the way and perhaps not worth seeking out is a 3rd century Roman mosaic and the remains of the building foundations. I ended up getting lost in Tirana’s back streets trying to find it. When I finally arrived, I was a bit disappointed. The mosaic was not as spectacular as I was expecting, but it was a Roman mosaic nonetheless, and the locals are very proud of it. The site is currently closed for restoration (as of July 2024).
