Albania

Albania is a country in the south of Europe, also known as the land of the mountain eagle. The country is notable for its picturesque landscape and extremely rich cultural heritage. There you can see Christian churches and Muslim mosques, wonderful castles, ruins of ancient cities, as well as ancient Greek and modern monuments. Albania is so varied and interesting that every tourist can find here everything he’s searching for. The Albanian hospitality will pleasantly surprise you and give unforgettable impressions.

In the 4th century BC, the territory of the Western Balkans was occupied by the Illyrians, ancestors of the Albanians. They created their own state. Later, the Illyrians joined the war against Rome – as a result, these territories got under control of the Roman Empire. And in the 11th century they went to Byzantium, Bulgaria and Normandy. Throughout the centuries, the ancestors of the Albanians had to fight for their lands with the Serbs, Turks and Italians. And only in 1912, Albania attained its independence. Today it is a country with beautiful nature and rich architectural heritage.

In Albania, the first thing your attention will be attracted with is its nature. Here you can see mountains, lakes, valleys, dense forests, and beautiful beaches. Thus, the Adriatic and Ionian beaches of Albania successfully compete with the world-famous beaches of the Mediterranean. The most popular resorts in Albania – Durrës, Fier, Saranda, Vlora, Shkodër – are notable for their excellent service. The mountain range of the North Albanian Alps and its highest mounts Tomorr and Korab of 2764 meters high complement the natural beauty of the whole Albania. In addition, Lake Ohrid, the deepest lake in the Balkans, is located in Albania. Koran fish, a rare species, can be found in Ohrid. Visit the city of Pogradec to enjoy beauty of this crystal clear lake.

The extraordinary architecture of Albania should be mentioned as it combines elements of many cultures, styles and religions. In many cities, you can see preserved architectural monuments. Most of these historical monuments are located in picturesque places surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and beautiful citrus orchards. Tirana, a capital of Albania, is one of the main tourist centres of the country. Et’hem Bey Mosque built in 1789 can be noted by you in Skanderbeg Square, the capital’s centre. Your attention will be attracted with its frescoes where trees, waterfalls and bridges are depicted. Next to the mosque you’ll see the clock tower of 35 metres high.

The city of Shkodër is interesting as well. Ancient houses decorated with wood will be noticed by you there. In addition, the city offers you to visit two very beautiful places: Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque and the country’s main Orthodox Church – Franciscan Church on Rruga Ndre Mjeda, a street. Near the city of Shkodër, there is Rozafa Castle that was built on the rocky hill in the 3rd century BC. Within its walls, the museum of the Illyrian history is located.

In Albania, you are well advised to visit Gjirokastër and Berat, city-museums. Gjirokastër located at the foot of the mountain is so picturesque with its white stone streets and beautiful houses that resemble medieval towers. In order to view the whole city with its amazing architecture, you should climb the local citadel. Berat is referred to as the "city of a thousand windows" due to its unusual buildings. Houses in the town of Berat are located one by one on the steep hill. They are two-story buildings with overhanging upper floors. Comparing with houses of other Albanian cities, the houses in Berat have got several times more windows. In the old part of Berat, you can see several churches and mosques, as well as buildings of the Ottoman era.

Castles and fortresses of Albania have got particular appeal. Skanderbeg Castle located in Lezhë on the top of the 186-meters high hillis considered to be the most beautiful. There you should expect stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Within castle’s walls, an old mosque and historical Roman arches can be seen. Petrelë Castle of triangular shape is located 18 km southwards from the capital of Albania. In former times it was part of the defence and signalling system of Krujë Castle. They signalled to each other by means of fire and served as defence fortifications during the Skanderbeg’s fight against the Ottoman Empire. Petrelë Castle as well as many other Albanian castles opens wonderful views of olive groves and picturesque mountains.

The city of Durrës offers to see Albania's ancient structures as well. You’ll have an opportunity to see the Durrës Amphitheatre built in the 1th-2th centuries AD. It is remarkable for Christian crypt with magnificent wall mosaics.

Both Saranda with its Blue Eye Water Spring and ancient ruins of Butrint, a pearl of the Adriatic coast, are among the most favourite tourist destinations.

Other national circumstances are worthy to mention as well. First of all, it is the traditional Albanian cuisine. Every part of the country is notable for its own special recipes. Thus, in the north you’ll be offered to taste petula, a local pancake, as well as sweets of corn flour and original fish dishes. In the central part of Albania, you should taste meat in yogurt, liver in cottage cheese and ballokume dessert. In addition, raki, a world’s famous drink made of wine and grapes, is produced here. In south of the country, lamb and sweets of honey are very popular. You can also taste there tarator, an original drink made of yogurt, cucumber, grated walnuts and onions with olive oil.

Albanian holidays are another country’s feature. Tirana and New Music Festivals are annually held there. Mother Teresa Day, an annual national holiday celebrated on the 19th of October, might be interesting for you as well.

The country of mountain eagles with its extraordinary architecture, rich cultural heritage and beautiful nature awaits you!