Joie de Vivre in Albania

So you are in the southeastern part of the continent of Europe and right in the region of Balkans. What is the place? Yes, you are right. You are in Albania the land which is just around 72km from Italy. With Macedonia, Greece and Ionian Sea around it and lying on the Otranto Strait, this little land is certainly a must visit.

There are many cities in Albania which would add a lot of value to your travel kitty. Let us see how

If you are in Tirana, the erstwhile Albanian capital, then you would certainly be surprised o see the way the city has grown from the time of Sulejman Bargjini. Since the 18th century, the city has only developed and is named after the name Theranda meaning a formation of stiff materials brought by the rivers surrounding it. Tirana in Albania is a political and economic hub today and with the Adriatic Sea and the Dajti mountains very near the city it is certainly a good tourist spot too. The sea is just an hour’s drive from the city. There is an artificial lake that is located in south Tirana.

While at Tirana you can see the Ethem Bay Mosque which is existing since 1789. Then there is the Clock Tower which was built in 1830. Tirana saw a lot of buildings post the Second World War. The Palace of Congresses, The Palace of Culture, and the Centre of International Culture are some of the magnificent buildings built during this time. The Tabakeve Bridge is also another tourist attraction here. Locatedalong the Zhan Dark Boulevard, it is existing since the 18th century. The next that you could see here is the Petrela Fortress which is found on the southern part Tirana in Albania. A middle age construction, it was ruled by Mamic Kasrioti Petrela. This was also a defence structure of those days. Then there is the Preza fortress which is a 15th century construction. Today it is a Monument of Culture as declared by the ruling party. The Martyrs Cemetery has the Mother Albania monument. Then of course you could see the Tomb of Kapllan Pasha which is existing since 1814. It has been built in memory of the ruler Kapllan Pasha who was the king in the 19th century. Besides you have the National Historic Museum, the Gallery of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum too. In all, Tirana is a storehouse of museums, history and architecture.

The next city Vlora on the coast of Albania is a major port. It was here that Albania was declared an independent state in the year 1912. The first National Government led by Ismail Qemali was formed here. So this became independent Albania’s first capital. So while in Albania and in Vlora you could visit the Museum of Independence and learn about the history of Vlora. The Kuzum Baba is a religious spot here in Vlora on a hill. Here the lovely view of the beach and the panoramic sight of Vlora is an enthralling sight.

There are more cities in Albania and it is worth a vacation.