Albania - Spring 2024 (Bill Hetzer)

 Albania or Shqiperisa, as it is officially known, turned out to be a wonderful place to vacation. The coastline on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas is complimented by rising mountains that are some of the tallest in Europe. I travelled mainly in the south of the country where most of the important cities and tourist sites are located. Northern Albania is far more rugged— a perfect place for hiking and mountaineering.

The history of Albania, like most of Europe, is marked by invasions and occupations. Illyrians were the first known and then came the Greeks and Romans. Later the country became part of the Byzantine Empire and by the 14th century Albania fell under Ottoman rule which lasted for over four centuries. Independence was declared in 1912, but throughout the 20th century there were significant political changes — a monarchy, Italian and German occupation during WWII, and then a long inward looking communist regime. Today Albania is a multi-party democracy.

From beautiful beaches, historical cities and towns, mountain passes, to great Balkan food, Albania was a refreshing place to visit. The atmosphere was old but new, friendly and fashionable, and always fascinating. Here are a few photos from my visit.

Two headed eagle on the Albanian Flat

Et’hem Bey Mosque, Tirana

New skyscraper construction abounds in Tirana

.   Fruit markets are popular in Tirana

Outdoor book stall in Tirana

.   National Theater and Opera House, Tirana - constructed during communist times.

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Kruja, an early capital of Albania (Middle Ages), also during the Kingdom of Albania. 

The city is notably linked to the national hero Sanderbeg, who defended it against multiple Ottoman sieges in the 15th century. A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site.

Kruja tile roofs

Relief of Sanderberg, in the Kruja museum

Roman Amphitheater of Durres

This Amphitheater is in the center of the second largest city in Albania. It is the largest in the Balkans, built in the 2nd century. It could hold 20,000 spectators and was used for gladiator fights as well as other events.

ancient white walls and door

Part of the Berat Castle which is perched on a mountainside overlooking the city. The castle is now a small village, preserved as a tourist attraction. A UNESCO site.

White houses with many windows

Hillside homes in Berat, the city of “one over one windows”.

Interior of mosque in Berat

Gorica Bridge, an Ottoman-era bridge in Berat 

Apollonia, The Triumphal Arch from Roman times.

But Apollonia was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BCE. The city became a significant cultural and economic center due to its strategic position along trade routes and its access to the Adriatic.

.  The Odeon theatre from the Greek period,  Apollonia 

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Saranda beach resort on the Ionian Sea

Corfu Greece, across the Straits of Corfu near Butrint

Butrint

Butrint, is considered the most important archaeological site in Albania. Ruins date back to Greek, Roman. Byzantine and Venetian times. A UNESCO site.

Lions Gate, Butrint

Kadiu footbridge

Kadiu footbridge, an historic 18th century Ottoman-era structure in southern Albania.

Gjirokaster Fortress

Gjirokaster Fortress dominates the city, construction from the 4th century and now a military museum.

Gjirokaster “the city of stone”.

Traditional structures in the city have stone roofs.

1930’s cinema in Korce