Albania » Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and its largest city. Tirana is situated on the banks of the Ishm River. It is the commercial, economic, and cultural center of the country. The city was founded in 1614 by Sulejman Pasha and became Albania's capital city in 1920. After becoming the capital a lot developments took place in the town and Tirana saw some rapid industrial growth in 1950s. After the end of communist rule in 1991, Tirana experienced its fastest population growth as people from rural areas came to the capital for a better life.

 

Tirana's rich history and rapid modernization makes it's a fascinating city with a beautiful combination of the past and the present. Albania's largest city, is full of life and colour. Tirana is the centre for Arts and Culture. Its architecture seems to have Italian and Turkish influence, which is so probably because of its location. Tirana has many museums all over. You can also visit some of the most ancient Greek and Roman sites of the Mediterranean. It is basically a small city and can be easily explored on foot. The centre of Tirana is dominated by a grand avenue, laid out by the Italians, with civic buildings and parks alongside. It is basically a late 19th- and 20th-century city, and as it was really only a large village until as recently as 150 years ago. While the city’s standards do not measure up with other European destinations, it is an interesting place which has made great progress. Tirana's is fast changing its image from an Oriental to a modern European city. Many streets, buildings and parks have been renovated. Tirana is a charming city which has a lively night life.