TIRANA

Tirana has been the capital of Albania since 1020. It is relatively a new city created in 1614 from Sulejman Bargjini, feudal chief of the area at the time. The city began to grow at the beginning of the 18^th century. Today Tirana is only the most populated city in Albania but also the most important political and economic center in the country. Just at the center, at Scanderbeg Square, there is the Clock Tower (35 m high) built in 1830.The Palace of Culture housing the Opera and Ballet Theatre and National Library are next to the main square. In Tirana there are also other important institutions such as the Historical and national museum, the Museum of natural Sciences, the Archaeological Museum, The National Gallery of Fine Arts, the International Center of Business, the Palace of Congress etc. One can enjoy the best view from the “Martyrs Cemetery” which contains the Monument of “Mother Albania”. Tirana is famous for its greenery and long warm season. The Adriatic Sea and Dajti Mountain are near the city. It takes you less than one hour drive to reach the sea. An artificial lake is located immediately at the Southern part of the city.

    DURRES

The city was founded in 627 B.C. as a Greek colony and was originally baptized Epidamnos and later on Dyrrachium. From the Venetian Tower rises over the harbor, the road leads to the amphitheatre, which is the biggest of the Balkan Peninsula (capacity 15.000 spectators) dating back to the 2d century A.D. and preserving an early Christian crypt with a rare wall mosaics.During the 1^st and 3d centuries, Durres played an important role as a trading center on via Egnatia linking Rome with Byzantium (Istanbul). Due to the great number of earthquakes much of ancient Durres sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently rebuilt. Today the city is known for the nearby beach resort of “Plazh-Durres” with sandy beaches and warm sea water. Apart from being one of the main archeological centers it is also most important seaport in Albania.

    KRUJA

Kruja is a medieval town near Tirana. It is on the slope of a mountain. The name Kruja is closely connected with the mane of the national hero George Kastriot Scanderbeg who fought against the Ottomans for 25 years in succession, defending European civilization from their threat in the 15^th century. At a prominent and a strategic place near the city. There is a castle housing the Scanderbeg Museum (national Museum). A medieval bazaar is on the way to the castle.

    BERATI

It is known as the city of one thousand windows and is declared a “museum city”. It is built on the slopes of Tomori mountain, with a castle raising predominantly over the city. Within its walls there are dwelling houses and the “Onufri Museum”. Paintings by the outstanding Albanian painter of the 16^th century by Onufri and his son Nikolla are exhibited there. The old part of the city has some religious buildings like mosques and Byzantine churches. The old name of the city was Antipatrea.

    VLORA

Vlora is coastal city. As an ancient dwelling place it is known by the IV century B.C. as AULONA. It is not only of the major sea-ports, but also of great historical importance as it was there in 1912 the Assembly was convened to proclaim Albania as an independent state and to set up the first National Government headed by Ismail Qemali. On a hill above the city one can enjoy the religious place of bektashi sect “Kus Baba”. From there you can see the beach and the view of the whole city. Vlora is blessed with warm climate, rocky and sandy beaches. It is the gateway to Albanian Riviera.

    SARANDA

Albanias most Southern coastal city remains completely unspoiled. Situated opposite Corfu island, Saranda is now mostly visited by day trippers who came to enjoy this previously inaccessible resort. The old city was called ONHEZMI, and it was destroyed at the V century by the overruns of barbers.

    APOLONIA

Located 12 km from Fier, Apolonia is one of the most well known archeological sites in the country. In Roman times, Apolonia was a large prosperous city near the mouth of Vjosa River. The amphitheatre, a colonnade of shops and several other parts of the Roman city center are open to the public. Unfortunately, some of the statues and other portable objects were removed before 1946 and sent to other countries. The remaining ones have been exhibited in a museum, which is to be found on the site of the 13^th century monastery. In the courtyard of the monastery there is a Byzantine style church believed to have been built in the 14^th century. Here visitors can see some monuments of Agnotheteve, Odeon, Portic, the Mosaics House, Fontana and the Church of Saints Mary.

POGRADECI

Pogradec is one of the most charming tourist resorts in Albania because of its position on Lake Ohrid which distinguished itself for clear water and mountain views. The Koran fish, similar to trout, is found in this like. Besides the beautiful beach, your stay in Pogradec is made more interesting by the excursion to the tourist center of Drilon (5 km eastward) surrounded by ornamental plant and trees.

    SHKODRA

It is one of the major cities in the North Western part of country. For several years as a chief center of the Illyrian state was known by the ancient nema SCODRA. It is situated near the lake sharing the same name and along the road leading to Montenegro. It is  an ancient city with a rich history. One can find old characteristic houses where wood and other traditional motifs are used. Shkodra is rich in historical museums and other cultural heritage. Near the city of Shkodra there is a castle of Rozafa, built on a rocky hill from where you can see attractie and beautiful views. During your stay in the city, you can visit the castle, the medieval Mesi Bridge ( 8 km away) and take a trip to Albanian Alps.

    BUTRINTI

The ancient town of Butrint is situated in the vicinity of Saranda, in the far South-Western of Albania. The archaeological excavations have shown that Butrint has been an important center of Illyrian tribes with a known settlement since 1000 B.C. It belonged to the Greek and Roman Empire during its long history and both have left a rich legacy. Several objects dating from the 1^st and 4^th centuries A.D are exposed and available to the tourist, among them a theatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, Baptistry, Nympheu. Do not forget to visit the Baptistery adorned in colorful mosaics. Butrint is under UNESCO protection.

KORCA

It is the largest city in the South-Eastern part of Albania. It is situated at the foot of Morava Mountain on a plateau 800m above sea level. It became an important trading and handicraft center in the 18^th century due to the development of trade with neighboring regions. The museum of Medieval Art (National Museum) is in Korca. It presents the material culture of the Albanian people. Interesting is also the first Albanian school, opened in 1878, houses this museum.

    GJIROKASTRA

One of the most important cities in the Southern part of Albania has been declared a “Museum City”. It is built on the slope of a mountain and is known for its characteristic of medieval towers constituting a building ensemble with peculiar architecture. The castle rises up as a balcony over the city. It provides the possibility to the visitors to enjoy the very beautiful landscape. The castle houses in its interiors the National Museum of Weapons. Weapons produced and used by Albanians from ancient time until the Second World War.The old name of the town was ARGYROKASTRA, by the year 1336.