Start this Tirana day trip from Durres to the capital of Albania.  Tirana is the new big thing in the Balkans, the city is one of the most colorful capitals in Europe.

Also, one of the fastest developing cities in Europe. But, that’s not all, Tirana has won the prize of the European Youth Capital 2022. Its beauty goes beyond the prizes, Tirana is a city of historical occupations and events.

Lushnjas Congress declared Tirana as the capital of Albania in 1920, before that it was a small city with no whatsoever importance. Tirana has some of the most beautiful sites just in the heart of it.

In the middle of Tirana is located the Scanderbeg Square, a place of outstanding beauty, in 2018 the square won the prize for the best Urban Public Area. Not only, but also later on in 2019, it won the second award for the best Modern Architecture by EU.

Scanderbeg Square is free to see in Tirana

On this Tirana day trip from Durres, you will get to see Scanderbeg Square.

It is one of the most beautiful things Tirana has to offer. Located in the heart of Tirana from where you can see 2 of the most important Landmarks of Tirana. On the square is located the Scanderbeg Monument, which is the National Albanian Hero Gjergj Kastrioti and his horse. The monument is part of the heart of Tirana for more than 50 years ago.

The square has got its name from the monument. The square is made up of a side with Tiles that come from every corner of Albania and in them, it’s engraved the city or town it comes from. On the other side, there is the part that is greenish with trees and a small pedestrian walk for you to enjoy. Moreover, trees surround the square.

From there, you can see the important mosque of Et’hem Bey and Clock Tower that dates back to the Ottoman period and on the other side, you can see the National History Museum.

The Clock Tower of Tirana

Et’hem Bey who built the mosque built also the clock tower, and since then it represents Tirana’s history. Built-in 1822 the clock tower belongs to the city hall and the mosque.

Ethem Bey Mosque

One of the most significant landmarks of Tirana is the Et’hem Bey Mosque that was built in the 18^th century. It is the oldest mosque in Albania and during the communist years, many religious buildings were destroyed. The Et’hem Bey Mosque was the only one left standing as to not erase the beauty of this landmark from the city.

However, with the fall of the communist regime, the mosque was back on its feet reopened to wait for the worshipers. Now in 2020, it is under restoration, but you can still see its beauty from the outside.

Tirana day trip from Durres and The national history museum of Albania

This museum is the largest in Albania, and it helps you understand Albanian History. This is why the museum deserves to be one of the first on top places to visit in Tirana. The museum is divided into rooms where you can see historical events from medieval times until today.

The National History Museum is built during the communist regime and the architect was the daughter of Enver Hoxha (Dictator and communist leader of Albania).  However, the museum was built to hide the terrible fatalities of communism. Nowadays you can see the communist exhibition that shows the dark side of Communism.

Tirana day trip from Durres is more than the square, it’s the beautiful colorful buildings, the cutest coffee shops, and the best restaurants. Not to forget, the New Bazaar that was renovated not so long time ago.

Tirana is the best city to enjoy a day trip from Durres, as you will see the beauty that goes behind the eye of the beholder.

Book this trip, and join us in the discovery of the stories of the capital of Albania.