ALBANIA
Country Overview:
“Tirana is perhaps not a top 10 travel destination, but still a fun and interesting European capital”
I really enjoyed my time in Tirana. It’s a funky little capital with lots of murals, colorful buildings, and a desire to develop while dealing with and acknowledging its tumultuous history. I didn’t find a lot of traditional Albanian food restaurants, though there were plenty of gyros and sweets. One of the things I found surprising was that so many Albanians speak Italian, and many menus are often written in both Albanian and Italian. I wouldn’t necessarily come back to visit Tirana, but I’m glad I took the time to visit. I also celebrated my 31st birthday here and it was definitely a night to remember.
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is where Tirana’s premier monuments are all assembled, including the Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum. It is named after George Castriot, an Albanian national hero, credited with halting the advance of the Ottoman Empire into central Europe. There’s a monument to Skanderbeg in the square, which occupies the spot where a communist-era statue of Josef Stalin once stood. The architecture surrounding the square is neo-renaissance, and there’s a large lawn with flower beds to round off the stately atmosphere. Skanderbeg is the city’s main venue for popular celebrations, such as 100 years of Albanian Independence in 2012.