Sondor Travel

Highlights of Tirana Walking Tour

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See the main sights of Tirana on a tour that features a guided walk through the city centre, where you'll learn about the Ottoman past and the Communist-era architecture. Stop at the National History Museum to learn about significant periods in the country's history.

Highlights

Discover some of the hidden statues left over from the Communist era Visit the well-conserved Et'hem Bey Mosque Explore the National History Museum for a better understanding of Albania

Itinerary

The first thing you’ll hear about on this tour is how Albania changed in 1991, with so much happening in such a short time. As you cross the street with your guide you’ll find yourself in the middle of Scanderbeg Square. The square was named after an important Albanian figure of the 15th century, who successfully resisted Ottoman invasion for 25 years. As you look around the square you’ll see an interesting complex of a building which reflects the periods that have influenced Tirana’s architecture. Only the Clock Tower and Et'hem Bey Mosque remain as reminders of the city’s Ottoman past. The communist government left its own footprint by destroying the Ottoman Bazaar and building the new Opera and Ballet House on the site. The next stop on the itinerary is Et'hem Bey Mosque, where you’ll learn about the difficulties faced by the clergy, especially after 1967 when freedom of religious expression was prohibited. The mosque was built in 1793 by Et'hem Bey in typical Turkish style. Continue on your walk to King Zog’s Palace, National Martyrs Boulevard, and the former residential quarter for Communist party leaders. At the end of the walking tour, you’ll visit the National History Museum to learn about the history of Albanians, and this is where the tour ends as well.

Includes

Guided walking tour Tickets for the National History Museum and Et'hem Bey Mosque