National Gallery of Figurative Arts of Albania

Tirana

Copyright: Saranda/Wikimedia Commons

DESTINATIONS albania tirana Do & See National Gallery of Figurative Arts of Albania

National Gallery of Figurative Arts of Albania

Even if this is considered a small museum, the many different objects give the visitors a real history lesson of Albania. Several of the paintings are from the communist period and are eye-catching with their bright colours and overwhelming sizes.

Do & See

Old Communist Regime relics have become popular tourist attractions and are a severe reminder of the recent past. Street signs are still up and coming as tourism develops here. If you ask a local for directions they are given in terms of landmarks. The addresses listed in this guide are often street names only – building numbers do not exist universally here.

Tirana's Colorful Facades

Tirana's Colorful Facades

Mayor Edi Rama, internationally renowned as an artist before he took over the post of Tirana's mayor in 2000, decided to give the city a more welcoming look by painting old and Soviet block-style building facades in bright colours. The initiative certainly accomplished its goal of helping the city appear more …

Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square is the social and cultural center of Tirana, this is an excellent place for people watching and absorbing the daily life of the denizens of this city. The famous Equestrian Statue is located on the Southern Side of the …

Clock Tower

The tower is the symbol of Tirana and is nicely lit at night. You may climb the stairs for an excellent view of the bustling life in the square …

Et’hem Bey Mosque

Et’hem Bey Mosque

This small, elegant mosque is one of the oldest buildings remaining in Tirana. Many of the various religious shrines were destroyed in the atheism campaign and demonstrations of the late …

Tanners’ Bridge

Tanners’ Bridge

Tanners’ Bridge is a newly restored, elegant Ottoman stone footbridge, with colourful Soviet style housing serving as a backdrop. The bridge is a standing testimony to Tirana's development during the 18th century and is considered one of the most important cultural heritage …

National Museum of History

National Museum of History

National Museum of History is the largest museum in Albania and holds most of the country’s treasures. There is a gallery on the top floor dedicated to the severe miseries of the communist …

International Centre of Culture

International Centre of Culture

Popularly known as the Pyramid, this museum, opened in 1988, was a tribute to the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha when it was erected. After the regime collapsed, the memorial was converted into a disco and conference center. It is no longer an official museum, but is well worth a …

Prime Minister’s Residence

Prime Minister’s Residence

This was once the Communist Party headquarters. During official parades and demonstrations, this is where Enver Hoxha would stand to wave to the masses …

Mount Dajti

Mount Dajti towers proudly over Tirana, with its beautiful national park, green forests and amazing views. You can either take the cable car up to the summit, or drive. There are several restaurants up at the top, as well as that special feeling of having the world at your finger …

Central Market

The central market is a gourmet food haven, which captures the spirit of the culture. Local cheese, meat, fruit, honey and homemade raki can be found here. This is a spectacular place to stroll, nibble local food and absorb the vitality of Albanian …

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of interesting archaeological artefacts from various historic periods. There is also a large exhibition that shows the history of …

National Gallery of Figurative Arts of Albania

National Gallery of Figurative Arts of Albania

Even if this is considered a small museum, the many different objects give the visitors a real history lesson of Albania. Several of the paintings are from the communist period and are eye-catching with their bright colours and overwhelming …

Skanderbeg Statue

Skanderbeg Statue

Right in the heart of the city, on Skanderbeg Square, the statue of the National hero, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, rises. It is almost impossible to miss and it is one of the landmarks of the city. If you are a good photographer you will be able to catch it together with the Et’hem Bey …

Kinema Millennium

Kinema Millennium

Kinema Millennium is a lush garden area, that today offer both relaxation and fun. Once upon a time it was the residence of King Zogu I of Albania and some parts of the garden are kept as it was back then. The other part offer restaurants, bars and a modern …

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

This grand church is located close to the city centre and is as beautiful on the inside as its amazing façades on the outside. It is well visited by the locals of …

Grand Park (Parku i Madh)

Grand Park (Parku i Madh)

This 230-hectare public park is the city's lung. Here you can relax in the green grass by the artificial lake or stroll in the Botanical Garden of Tirana and watch all the beautiful plants and …