Explore Tirana’s rich history and vibrant art on a guided walking tour. Visit iconic sites like Eth’hem Bey Mosque and the National Bank.
- Sheshi Skënderbej - As the central square of the capital, it serves as a gathering spot for travelers. The tour kicks off here, providing insights into the specific location and the destinations included. For instance, the tour covers the Central Boulevard, home to several iconic and historic buildings. Two notable examples are: The central office of the National Bank of Albania, originally in Durres and opened on 29 November 1925, with its new headquarters inaugurated on 30 October 1938 in Skanderbeg Square, Tirana. Designed by Italian architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo between 1930 and 1936, the Tirana headquarters assumed central Albanian functions. The Hotel <> was among the first and most luxurious hotels in Tirana, situated on the left side of “Dëshmorët e Kombit” avenue, the main promenade of the capital. Designed by renowned architects Gherardo Bosio and Gio Ponti, it was once the most modern hotel in the Balkans.
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Et`hem Bey Mosque - Xhamia e Et’hem Beut (the Mosque of Et’hem Bey) was initiated in 1789 by Albanian noble Et’hem bey Mollaj and completed in 1823 by his son, Haxhi Et’hem Bey, a descendant of Sulejman Bargjini. The mosque gained prominence after the construction of the nearby Scanderbeg Square during the Italian protectorate following Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. The frescoes on the building’s exterior, particularly in the portico, feature unique elements like trees, waterfalls, and bridges, rarely seen in Islamic architecture, as they were painted by non-Muslim Venetian workers. Closed during the communist dictatorship, on 18 January 1991, 10,000 people defied authorities to enter and pray, with no police intervention, marking a significant event. Tours inside the mosque are available daily, except during prayer times.
- BunkArt 2 - “Bunk’Art 2,” located near the Ministry of the Interior in Tirana, comprises 40 rooms showcasing history from 1912 to 1991 with information from the State Archives and the Ministry of the Interior. This unique museum, originally an underground bunker from the communist era, was designed as a fallout shelter during Enver Hoxha’s regime. The journey through Bunk’Art 2 is an engaging exploration of thematic rooms, each representing a chapter of Albanian history, featuring testimonies of former political prisoners, period images, and objects. Documentaries, video testimonies, and interactive exhibits narrate the communist period’s story, highlighting the population’s challenges and experiences. After touring Tirana’s historic center, you can conclude with this museum visit.
- Berat - BERAT! A city with a 2,500-year history! Known as the city of overlapping windows, Berat is celebrated for its unique architecture, reflecting centuries of cultural influences. The historic core is divided into three main areas: Kala, the upper city dominated by Berat Castle; Mangalem, the lower city along the Osum River; and Gorica, across the river. Kala’s houses feature bay windows, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and valley. The cobbled streets and winding alleys add a touch of mystery to this enchanting city.
- Shkoder - SHKODRA! Scutari is one of Europe’s oldest cities and among Albania’s largest, serving as a significant economic and cultural hub. Home to numerous notable figures in Albanian language and arts history, it is considered the cultural cradle of the Albanian nation, often dubbed the “Florence of the Balkans.” Founded by the Illyrians in the 4th century BC around Rozafa Castle, it has long been a key trade route crossroads in the Balkans, making it the Illyrian state’s center for a time. Its strategic economic position attracted Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, and Turkish-Ottomans. In 1858, a photographic studio named Marubi was established, producing the first photograph in the Western Balkans. So, are you ready to explore these places? Come and…
- Bottled water
Taking a tour in Tirana means, Dashuri - Mikpritje - Besë (Love - Hospitality - Faith). Take tours in the capital of the country of eagles, where some of the most significant moments in Albanian history took place precisely in the places that will be in the program. I specify some places: 1. Eth’hem Bey Mosque is a historical mosque and a cultural monument in the center of Tirana, whose construction was started by Sulejman Pasha’s great-grandson, Molla Bey i Petrela around 1793 and completed by his son, Haxhi Et’hem Bey in (1822/1823).The mosque is located in the center of Tirana, in Skenderbe square. 2. The building of the National Bank of Albania was established on September 2, 1925. The building of the Bank of Albania was completed in 1936. Its architectural style belongs to the “Rationalism” current, which flourished in the first half of the 20th century in Europe. The building project was created by the well-known Italian architect of the time, Vitorio Marpurgo. The National Museum 1981 :)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.