"TIRANA, CAPITAL OF THE LAND OF THE EAGLE" Top 5 Page for this destination Tirana by Arkeolog

Tirana Travel Guide: 356 reviews and 774 photos

TIRANA

“Shqiperi” or “Land of the Eagle” could not be a more appropriate nickname for Albania, especially when referring to its geographical location and topography of steep mountains, high hills and lots of forests. The people of Albania, who live in a land located in the Balkan Mountains, refer to themselves as “shqiptar”. The origin of these words is from the Albanian for “eagle”.

I drove from Skopje to Tirana; via Skopje-Tetova-Struga-Librazhd, Elbasan and Tirana. It was a pleasant trip with a rental car.

Tirana has a huge square, called Skandserbeg Square, which's surrounded by Opera House, National Museum, Ottoman Mosque(Ethem Bey Mosque) and clock tower, official buildings, parks and hotels. Also crowded and busy boulevards and streets lead to this square.

The city of Tirana, Albania has a long history. Officially founded in 1614 by Sulejman Pasha the Ottoman. It was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Ottoman ruler Ahmed Pasha Toptani.

National History Museum

National History Museum-Tirana

If you want to learn n understand Albanian culture then visit this museum. It's in the heart of the city and easy to visit. You wont waste your time.

Ethem Bey Mosque-Tirana

Interior view of Ethem Bey Mosque-Tirana

There is an impressive Ottoman Mosque and its towering minaret by the Skanderbeg Square (main square of Tirana). Construction of the Ethem Bey Mosque started in 1798 and was finished in 1821 by Et'hem Bey . Closed under communist rule, the mosque reopened as a house of worship in 1991. Take a look at the frescoes outside and in the portico which depict trees, waterfalls, Ottoman houses and bridges - motifs rarely seen in Islamic art. Take your shoes off before entering the inner room and please respect the prayers.

Last visit to Tirana: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Mar 22, 2009
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Reviews (23)

Dome of Et'hem Bey Mosque Things to Do (18)

When you enter Et'hem Bey Mosque have a carefully look at the decoration of its dome. Its well decorated and well... more travel advice

Colorful Architecture of Tirana - Tirana

Colorful Architecture of Tirana Things to Do (18)

Tirana is a colorful city by its buildings. There are many buildings( mostly apartments) painted in soft colors. With... more travel advice

Open air Market Things to Do (18)

Behind Suleiman Pasha Square there is an open market for fruits and vegetables. It is a nice place to buy some fresh... more travel advice

Locals at the mosque Local Customs (1)

At any time at Et'hem Bey Mosque, one may find an Albanian reading the Koran, or Muslims praying in the mosque, or... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
By the main square
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Comments (18)

Jim_Eliason Jul 13, 2011 at 5:16 AM Report Abuse

Nice page Bora!
HORSCHECK May 22, 2011 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

Interesting page. Greetings from Tirana.
picek Sep 3, 2010 at 5:54 AM Report Abuse

Nice page. I guess we should go back in time and visit it some 100 years ago. But since that's not possible, we can still enjoy what is nice there. I like vibrant Tirana streets, its mosques and squares. Great pics.
PierreZA May 7, 2010 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

I really enjoyed reading this page. Very interesting!
Nemorino Apr 22, 2010 at 3:30 PM Report Abuse

Nice tips on this (to me at least) highly exotic destination. Thanks for mentioning the opera house -- I didn't even know they had one.
kokoryko Apr 22, 2009 at 2:32 PM Report Abuse

I will visit Albania one day, for sure, the mountains and forests; but begin with Tirana you show us here, Bora. I like a lot the idea of photographing museum displays in the light of sun :)
tiabunna Apr 17, 2009 at 6:21 AM Report Abuse

Somehow I suspect that Tirana is a place I'll never have an opportunity to visit, Bora, but it does look very pleasant and colourful from your page. Thank you.
yumyum Mar 31, 2009 at 12:54 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page on Tirana! Albania is still on my wish list.
Kuznetsov_Sergey Mar 27, 2009 at 11:53 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page with wonderful pics! This part of Europe is still a white spot for me. May be one day... Thanks Bora for sharing!
Rumi-fan Mar 27, 2009 at 4:14 AM Report Abuse

i love Islamic art Bora. These pics of the mosque are lovely. The pink apartments are gorgeous, and the markets so full of colour. I love markets! Well done. Now i want to go there.