Tirana
Tirana, the heart and capital
of Albania, like all other Eu-
ropean metropolises has a
never-ending movement and
energy. With its clubs, pubs,
cafes and taverns, Tirana is
worth discovering by day and
night. The value and hospital-
ity shown towards tourists is
something that will mark your
journey not only in Tirana but
also all over the country.
There are different thoughts
regarding the origin of the
name of the city. Some think
that it relates to Tyrrenia (a
name of Etruscan origins),
while other believe that it re-
lates to the word Theranda
(harvest), or to the Tirkan (a
castle at the foot of Mount
Dajti).
Your own journey might begin
by visiting the museums and
the key spots such as Sheshi
Skënderbej where you will
be able to see the Mosque
of Et’hem Beut (built during
1798-1812) and the 35 meter
high Kulla e Sahatit (the Watch
Tower) built in 1822 with a
San Marco-style cupola. Next,
you can visit the famous Mo-
saic uncovered on the floor
of an old Roman lodge. Its
center configures the walls of
the castle of the Roman em-
peror Justinian (520 A.D.). The
monumental Tomb of Kapllan
Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve
(a bridge constructed in the
beginning of the 19th century
in Bulevardi “Zhan D’Ark”), are
other interesting place to visit.
As a capital Tirana has the
country’s finest museums,
theatres and galleries repre-
senting the national arts. The
visit to the National History
Museum, the Archeological
Museum, the Natural Science
Museum, the private “Mezuraj
Museum”, and the National
Gallery of the Arts will leave
wonderful memories. You also
can pass a pleasant evening
in the National Theatre or
the Opera and Ballet Theatre.
For dining, Tirana will be glad
to offer you both a rich tradi-
tional cuisine and a variety of
foreign fares, from Italian to
Chinese, or even Indian. There
are also several clubs and res-
taurants in Mount Dajti to
discover and enjoy. There is a
chance to get there by cable
car which is a very special expe-
rience. In the region of Tirana
you may also visit the castles
of Petrela and Preza, as well as
some natural attractions, such
as Pëllumbasi Cave, Shkalla e
Tujanit, Biza etc.
