- Address: Skanderbeg Square, Tirana 1000, Albania
- Sightseeing: Skanderbeg monument, Efem Bay mosque, Albanian historical museum
A visit to Tirana must necessarily begin with a trip to the city center to Skanderbeg Square, which is also the main square of Albania .
History of the square
Skanderbeg square is in the very center of the capital of Albania and is a proud reminder of the great past of this country. Named after the square in honor of Skanderbeg - a national hero who in 1443 raised an uprising against the Ottoman Empire and has since been glorified even in folk songs. In 1968, a monument to Skanderbeg was erected on the square in honor of the 500th anniversary of his death. The author was a sculptor from Albania, Odise Pascali. Until 1990, a monument to Joseph Stalin was also erected on the square, but these days it is located in the National Museum of Art.
What to see in the square?
The main attraction of the square is, of course, the monument to Skanderbeg. To the left of it is the Efem Bay Mosque (1793), but nowadays it is more a cultural monument, because now few people visit the mosque, but it is always open for those who wish. Walking along the square a little more, you can see the historical museum of Albania . Outwardly, the museum is more like a house of culture in the CIS countries with its architecture and mosaic decorations, but in fact it contains many interesting and rare exhibits, so it's worth a look.
Nearby are the abandoned stadium and the mausoleum of the former leader of Albania, where a bar with local cuisine also operates. Literally, you can relax in the opera house or library, which are also two steps from the square.
In addition to attractions, around Skanderbeg Square are hotels that are considered one of the best in all of Albania. For children in the square there is an opportunity to ride a children's typewriter.
How to get there?
Skanderbeg square is in the very center of the city and it is easy to reach it by public transport, because there are many bus stops around the square, so you can get to the center from any part of the city. Also you can rent a car for the duration of your holiday in Tirana.
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