Francesca Masotti a journalist and blogger based in
Florence, Italy, recently has published an interesting article in Paste
Magazine about Cultural Tirana and here are five recommendations about what to
visit in Tirana. For travelers looking for in-the-know street cred, the Balkan Peninsula is
the place to be. And, Tirana, Albania’s capital, is a great place to start your
journey across this corner of Southeastern Europe. Easily explored on foot, the
city is a dynamic tangle of streets crowded with art galleries, museums, cafes,
restaurants, chic locals.
Skanderbeg Square is Tirana’s main
orientation point. It and the namesake statue are dedicated to the national
hero Gjergj Kastrioti, a military commander who led a rebellion against the
Ottoman Empire. Take a moment to gaze at the Mosque Et’hem Bey (across from the
statue), City Hall, and Kulla e Sahatit, the clock tower. Climb it for
impressive views over the big square.
Take a tour in the Muzei Historik Kombëtar or National
Historical Museum, the largest museum in the country, with a terrific mosaic
adorning the facade entitled Albania that shows Albanians victorious from
Illyrian times to WWII. The excellent collection (almost entirely signed in
English) takes you chronologically from the ancient times to post-communist
era. It holds many of the country’s archaeological treasures, a replica of
Skanderbeg’s massive sword and an interesting exhibition of icons by Onufri,
the greatest Albanian artist of 16th century.
3. Bunk’art
This
Contemporary Art Museum is located in a underground bunker built on the
outskirts of Tirana. The structure was once meant to accommodate the former Communist
dictator Enver Hoxha and the elite class in case of war. Today, Bunk’Art, hosts exhibitions
that combine the modern history of Albania with pieces of contemporary art. The Bunk’Art 2 is another
recently opened museum dedicated to the victims of Communism. It is located in
a bunker, built in the centre of Tirana between 1981 and 1986, used to shelter
interior ministry staff in the event of a nuclear attack.
The Galeria
Kombetare e Arteve, or National Art
Gallery, traces the
history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day,
this space hosts temporary exhibitions. After the visit, take some time to
admire the Cloud Pavilion out the gallery designed by Japanese architect Sou
Fujimoto. Behind the museum you’ll find the 6m-high walls of the Fortress of
Justinian, the last remnants of a Byzantine-era castle, and the 19th century
Ura e Tabakeve, Tanner’s Bridge, a well preserved Ottoman stone bridge.
5. Blloku
Take a break from
art in Blloku—the Block—which is the most famous neighborhood in Tirana. During
the Communist era, the district was reserved for the political elite. Today it
is a vibrant neighborhood with trendy bars, cafés, restaurant and nightclubs.
One must-stop spot is the Colonial Café. Stop here for a
menu full of innovative cocktails and nice place where to drink good and
cocktails. Just on the border of Blloku, Komiteti, is a must if you
are in Tirana. This café-museum is the perfect place to taste one of 25
varieties of craft raki, the local fruit-based liquor.
Original article: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/04/checklist-tirana-albania.html
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