Tirana, Albania

Tirana, capital of Albania
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tirana_with_Dajti_2009.jpg
Author: Spaz Tacular


Tirana is the capital and biggest city in Albania. covering 41.8 sq km (16.1 sq mi), it is located in Tirana District, on the river Ishëm, about 32 km (20 mi) from the coast. Tirana is approximately 110 m (360 ft) above sea level. It observes the Central European Time, which is an hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1), and two hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time in summer. The city has a population of 620,000 (2011 estimate). It is the political, economic and cultural center for Albania.

Tirana experiences a Mediterranean climate. The warmest months are July and August, when the average temperature may rise to 31°C (88°F). Coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature drops to 2°C (36°F). November is the wettest month with 211 mm (8.31 in) of precipitation while July and August receive only 32 mm (1.26 in) of precipitation each.

The area around Tirana has been inhabited since the Paleolithic times, going back as far as 30,000 years ago. The city that we know traces its beginnings to at least the 3rd century AD, based on the age of ancient mosaics at the medieval temple at Shengjin Fountain.

Tirana, Albania
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ALB_20070713_img_1227.jpg
Author: Dori


Kolonat, an Albanian version of McDonald's, in Tirana
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ALB_20070713_img_1260.jpg
Author: Dori


Tirana was part of the Ottoman Empire since 1431. At that time, it comprised a collection of some two thousand houses and 7,300 villagers. A town with a mosque was established there by Sulejman Bargjini in 1614.

Tirana was proclaimed the capital of Albania on 8 February, 1920. The city center was designed by Italian architects Florestano de Fausto and Armando Brasini, and was later revised by Albanian architect Eshref Frashëri, Italian architect Castellani and Austrian architects Weiss and Kohler.

Monument at Skanderbeg Square, Tirana
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tirana_Skanderbeg_Square_%282%29.jpg
Author: Predrag_Bubalo


Communist takeover of Albania saw the introduction of socialist-style architecture to Tirana, in the form of apartment complexes, factories and a redesign of Skanderbeg Square. After the fall of communism, the city developed without planning, resulting in some areas growing haphazardly while others experiencing neglect. By the turn of the 21st century, some form of order was in place as the road infrastructure improved. More parks were also built to give Tirana a more European look.

Visiting Tirana

The Mother Teresa Airport (TIA) is the main gateway to Tirana and to Albania. Located 17 km from downtown Tirana, the airport receives flights from major cities in Europe. From the airport, you can take a bus to Skanderbeg Square in downtown Tirana. There is a bus every hour between 6:00 am in the morning and 6:00 pm in the evening. The fare is 250 lek. You can also make the journey by taxi in 25 minutes, for 2,000 lek.

Places of Interest in Tirana

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