Comments on: Tirana: sightseeing in a place with no sights

By: Enxhi

Enxhi — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:35:03 +0000

I came upon your blog while searching for travel blogs around the internet and let me tell you, I really liked it I will follow your posts from now on.
And I could not help but see that you have visited Albania too. (other travelers I checked had not) I am Albanian myself, living in Tirana. And I really liked your take on the city
Anyway, I can see from some of the pictures that you were here while the center of the city was being renewed. It looks far better now, and I would have definitely recommended to take the lift ride to the mountain of Dajti. (takes only 15 minutes)
And I don’t know if you had the chance to visit the south of the country (that being my favorite spot The Ionian sea riviera is breathtaking) and Gjirokastra is also one great city worth a visit.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:27:29 +0000

Thank you for your insights Donna

By: donna

donna — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:36:41 +0000

plss what are u saying the Tirana is very beautiful and you are one of the people that really don’t know to explore what a city offers ,,do’t kidding if you come here in Tirana u will have the opportunity to see a lot of unseen things very special places and if you go to Dajti’s mountain which is in Tirana too ,you can see full of incredible things starting from air that we breathe and counting to other delicious food and friendly people of tirana ,so don’t hurry up,think first ,then speak .have a good time ,albanian Girl Aldonna

By: Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:18:28 +0000

Thanks for tweeting this article, Andy – I really enjoyed reading it, and particularly seeing some of the changes (and familiarities) from when I last visited about eight years ago.

Interesting that you describe it as a city with no sights, and I suppose I agree, but then to what extent does one need “sights” when the city is so interesting just to amble around in and absorb. I loved the Italian style buildings on the long road towards the university to Skanderbeg Square, and the square itself and the pyramid. I agree that the park around lake Tirana is also something of a hidden gem in that you feel a long way away from the city (and I suppose you are a long walk from the centre) but there is enough going on there and curious things to see to keep interest piqued (or conversely to relax).

I always found the people super-friendly and warm, typically for Albania, although in my experience there was a lack of decent accommodation (no budget hostel, for instance). No doubt things have changed because I detected changes in each of my visits – mostly for the better – and I really hope the city attracts more visitors.

As for the sights of the rest of Albania… well, another story! What a beautiful country. You’ve got me itching to go back now! Thanks again.

By: World Nomad

World Nomad — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:22:13 +0000

Nice, I am actually going there in a not so far future =)

By: Elda

Elda — Sat, 07 May 2011 09:05:21 +0000

Hi there, just came across you post regarding Tirana. Im an Albanian! Tirana is a relatively new city but it’s a colourful city and full of life!!Did you visit the National Art Gallery? Or National History Museum? Did you go to the nearby mountain Dajti? E’them Bey Mosque situated in Scanderbeg Square is one of the most beautiful Mosque in Albania (this one is well preserved and was protected as a museum during Communist era). Scanderbeg(Known as Iskanderbeg=Lord Alexander) is Albanian National hero, a prominent historical figure (a military genius) who’s well known in the 15th-century European history. Did you see his monument? Anyway the list of prominet Albanian goes on,from a roman emperor,pope, architechts,writers etc. Albania has a fascinating history. I like the qoute of Lonely planet for Albania(Awaking Sleeping Beauty) it suits my country well!
Read below a part of “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage ” by Lord Byron.

“Land of Albania! where Iskander rose,
Theme of the young, and beacon of the wise,
And he his namesake, whose oft-baffled foes,
Shrunk from his deeds of chivalrous emprize:
Land of Albania! let me bend mine eyes
On thee, thou rugged nurse of savage men!
The cross descends, thy minarets arise,
And the pale crescent sparkles in the glen,
Through many a cypress grove within each city’s ken”

By: Viajar en lunes: visto en otros blogs

Viajar en lunes: visto en otros blogs — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:26:04 +0000

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By: Tirana sightseeing - Things to do in Tirana | Travel Europe with Best Travel Content Europe

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:08:18 +0000

[...] Click here and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Partner 501 Places advises what to see or miss in Tirana. This relatively unknown destination, birthplace of Mother Teresa, is full of positive energy but [...]

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 07:18:58 +0000

Hi Kenan, you mean the Hotel Mangalemi? Yes, it was a great place (even if we didn’t have the dinner) and a bargain too (€35)

By: Kenan

Kenan — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:52:53 +0000

Andy,
What is he name of that hotel in Berat? It was my favorite of all the Balkan hotels we stayed in. It’s in the LP guide as their choice. Not only was it the best hotel, but it was also OUR best meal! That’s from an omnivore traveling with a veggie.

Kenan