Tirana City Guid

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Tirana is the capital of Albania. It is also the largest city of the Republic of Albania. The Congress of Lushnja selected the city as the temporary national capital in 1920. Later in 1925, the city acquired the status permanently. Tirana was founded in 1614 by Sulejman Pasha. Until 1944, it was occupied by the Italians and the Germans. It is now the major industrial center of Albania.

Area & Location:Located on the Ishm River, about 20 miles inland, Tirana is situated at 41º19'48? Latitude North and 19º49'12? Longitude East. Its average altitude is 90 meters above sea level. The city is home to one million people.

Tourist Attractions: Museums, mosques and architectures constitute the tourist attractive places in Tirana.

Transportation: International coach services and mini bus service link the city with other parts of the country. The railway station in the north of Skenderbeg Square is another means of commutation in the city. Rinas Mother Teresa Airport, which operated all international flights, is the convenient means of travel for the tourists coming from outside the country.

Tirana's port - Durres that operates passenger ferries to Trieste in Italy and Koper in Slovenia provides access to the city from other parts of the world. A fast catamaran service to Bari in Italy is yet another means of transportation in the city.

Hotels: Tirana hotels that offer custom-made reception to its guests are Sheraton Tirana Hotel & Towers, Hotel President, Hotel California, Chateau Linza, Diplomat Hotel, Broadway Hotel, Haxhiu Hotel, Tirana International Hotel, VIlla Tafaj, Europa Hotel and Europark Artur. These hotels give quality reception to its guests and serve variety of dishes.

Places of Attraction:It is really a pleasure to visit Tirana during the winter season. The cool climate in the city attracts visitors from all over the world. The tourists reach here to have a look over the ancient historical architectures and monuments that remain in tact in the heart of the city. Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian hero is the main landmark of the city. Pilgrims from far and wide reach the Et'hem Bey Mosque to offer prayers. The Clock Tower next to the Et'hem Bey Mosque, National Museum- north of Skenderbeg Square, The Fortress of Petrela, The Palace of Culture, The monument to Mother Albania and The National Historical Museum are the significant spots that catch up the attention of one and all who make a visit to the city.