Vlora
Vlora is one of the largest, most
populous cities in Albania. It is
130 km from the capital , 120
km from Mother Teresa Inter-
national Airport and is home
to the second largest port in
Albania.
Vlora is rich with history and
antiquity. This historic city
dates back to the sixth century
B.C., when it was known as
Aulona. Fragments of the mas-
sive wall surrounding Aulona
have been found in the center
of the city, close to Sheshi i Fla-
murit (“Flag Square”). In 1081,
the city fell under Norman do-
minion. In the 14th century it
was part of the “Kingdom of
Arbëria” ruled by the Balshaj,
Albanian princes, until 1417
when the city was invaded by
the Ottomans. In 1812, the city
came under the control of Ali
Pashë Tepelena, and one cen-
tury later, on November 28,
1912, it became the first capi-
tal of an independent Albania,
ruled by the government of
Ismail Qemali. The most inter-
esting sights in Vlora include
the Independence Museum
(in the headquarters building
of the first government), the
History Museum, and the Eth-
nographic Museum.
Among the religious objects
in Vlora, one of the most im-
portant is the Mosque of Mu-
radie, built in 1542 by the chief
architect of the Ottoman Em-
pire, Mimar Sinani, who was
originally from the region.
He is the constructor of the
famous Suleymanye Mosque
in Istanbul and also in other
cities in Turkey such as Edirne
(Selymie Mosque), Erzurum
and others. Also, a prominent
hill above the city is home to
the Bektashi Tekke of Kuzum
Babai. The site offers an amaz-
ing view of the city of Vlora,
the peninsula of Karaburun,
the island of Sazan and the la-
goon of Narta. There are also
several interesting clubs and
restaurants in the city of Vlora.
