Albania - Permet

Permet

Përmet is located in the southeastern part of Albania. In ancient times it was called Tryfilia, and it was inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of the Parauej, who settled close to what is called today the Vjosa River.

Historical data show that since early times, Përmet had markets, shops, warehouses and inns. This town is well-known for its hospitality, thrift, and its tradition in the construction and decoration of houses. Përmet is the place of origin of many reputable and historical figures, such as the Frasheri Brothers, the sculptors Odhise Paskali and Janaq Paco, the historians Stefanaq e Kristo Frasheri, the writer Nonda Bulku, Sejfulla Maleshova, the violin player Tedi Papavrami, the actor Naim Servet Frasheri and others. Among monuments of interest, it is worth mentioning the house of the Frasheri Brothers, the houses with typical architecture for the area, the Church of St. Mary in Kosine (12th century) and the bridge of Limari over the Zagori River. All these objects stand witness to the culture of this city. Përmet is known for its blacksmith tradition, silver works and the art of embroidery. It is also known for its metal, wood and stone products. The dances in this area are accompanied by an instrument called the saze, which is well-known both inside and outside the country.

Albania - Tepelena

Tepelena

Tepelenë was founded on the shores of Vjosa River, about 30 kilometers from where this river meets the Drino, on a rocky elevation. The name Tepelenë means “the Hill of Helen,” because according to legend, the place had alliance agreements with the neighboring villages of Dames and Dragot under the rule of Queen Helen.

Tepelenë is the birthplace of Ali Pashë Tepelena. Although its fortress is not as large and majestic as the castles of Berat, Shkoder and Gjirokastër, it has a very special atmosphere, which many Anglo-Saxon visitors have experienced and written about. TepelenaAli Pasha is a very complex figure, who elevates the name of Tepelenë. He was the son of Veli and Hanko (the daughter of the Beg of Konice). His father died when he was 14. Through his bravery and his in-laws, he made a brilliant career. In 1784 he was awarded the title “Pasha” under the Veli of Rumelia. Through war he secured leadership of the Sanjak of Delvina, in the same year. In 1786-1788 he became the leader of the Sanjak of Thessalia and took over the governing of the Sanjak of Ioannina, defending the interests of the new landowners and the commercial bourgeoisie. He turned Ioannina into the international commercial center of southern Rumelia.

Albanopolis

Albanopolis

Albanopolis ( Zgërdhesh) Albanopolis lies on the right hand side of the road that leads from Fushë Kruja to Kruja, near the village of Halil.

Albanopolis ( Zgërdhesh) Albanopolis lies on the right hand side of the road that leads from Fushë Kruja to Kruja, near the village of Halil. In 1871, the renowned Austrian Albanologist, Hahn, visited the Illyrian Castle at Zgërdhesh and was the first to launch the idea that this was the ancient ALBANOPOLIS, the major settlement of the Alban tribe which gave its name to the whole country. The ancient town built on top of a hill occupied an area of 10 hectares. Powerful walls, 1,400 meters long, protected the town on all sides. Today only a 90 meter long fragment of the wall remains. The acropolis occupied a third of the area. Among the terracotta archaeological finds retrieved in Zgërdhesh, worthy of mention is a small marble statuette of the Goddess Artemis. The ancient town flourished for three or four centuries, until it was abandoned in the 2nd century A.D. The Illyrian city of Zgerdhesh is not mentioned in ancient literary or historical documents, as such, although many scholars believe that it was the city of ALBANOPOLIS mentioned by Pliny. Archeological investigations have shown that settlements on the site at the base of the Kruje end of the mountain range began in the 7C or 6C BC, when an acropolis covering about 1.3 hectares was enclosed with walls. In a second construction phase, in the 4C or 3C BC, a much larger area was enclosed, covering over 8 hectares, with the walls totalling 1350m in length. A series of defensive towers was built around the perimeter at this stage. The city seems to have flourished for 300 or 400 years before being largely abandoned in the 2C BC, and the inhabitants moved to Dyrrachium or Lissus. Some evidence of settlement has been found going up to the 6C, when Kruje came to dominate completely the surrounding district. A visit to Ancient Zgerdhesh is rewarding for the magnificent views across the coastal lowlands towards the Adriatic as well as for the impressive remains of Illyrian walls and fortifications. On a clear day there is a good view of the sea. Approaching from the lower part of the hill, you first see the massive foundations and walls of three rectangular Illyrian watchtowers, which are thought to have been built in the 4C BC. A protective earth bank appears to have been thrown up outside them, to assist the perimeter defenders of the fort. Follow the path up the hill on the right-hand bank of the small stream, past a military camp and conscript training center. On the path about 500m past the closed entrance track, at the base of the fort, there is an outstanding fossil bed, where in blue Lias (a type of limestone) many good quality fossils can be seen and collected. Ancient mussels are particularily common. Behind the watchtowers are two defensive walls, with earth packed in between them. These outer defenses run around the acropolis, at the lower end about 300m from the summit. Climbing the slope, you pass across what was the lower part of the town, with the foundations of various buildings of unknown use being visible, then up the slope towards the inner protective wall of the acropolis itself. On the left is a strong round tower and the inner wall, with an entrance through what would have been an inner gatehouse. This wall is about 150m long and has three defensive towers on the exterior at 50m intervals. Just inside the entrance are the foundations of an early Christian chapel, a very small building indicating the continued occupation of the site in later antiquity, but also its greatly diminished importance. The original city was built on the acropolis but there is little to see in the way of visible remains except a section of the eastern defensive wall, with a tower on the northeast corner. But, it is a beautiful place, with many birds and butterflies and wild flowers to be found, and somewhere suitable to reflect on the world of the ancient Illyrians and what many visitors to Albania find is the essential mystery surrounding the original inhabitants of the territory. DIRECTIONS FOR GETTING TO ANCIENT ZGERDHESH: Take the road directly east from Fushe Kruje, past houses and a small industrial district. Follow this road about 4km into the countryside, until a small track leading to the right of this road is met. It is possible to drive about 1km along this track before it is essential to walk towards the site. It is possible to walk back to Kruje, which takes about an hour and a half, along sheep tracks.

Albania - vlora

Vlora

The town has a rich history. In antique times, it was known by the name of Aulona, which was given to it by early Hellenic settlers. In the Middle Ages the Vlora region became an object of contention between various international powers that wanted to maintain a hold on Albania.

Vlora is a coastal city. Vlora is not only the second major port, but also a centre of great historical importance. In ancient times the city was known under the name of Aulon. It was her that in 1912, the Assembly was convened to proclaim Albania as an independent state, forming the first National government headed by Ismail Qemali on 28th of November 1912. At this time Vlora became the capital of the country until 1914. You can drive south from Vlora, following the scenic route leading to Saranda and discover the unspoilt beaches, the Bay of Portopalermo and the traditional villages of Dhermi, Himara and Piqeras, to mention just a few, with their cobbled streets, stone houses and courtyards shaded by old vines. Vlora is the second major port of the country after Durrës. The city is situated in the South-western part of the country, in a picturesque area along the sea coast. Opposite the town lie the Karaburun Peninsula and the Sazan Island. Vlora has regular maritime connections with the Italian port of Brindisi and seasonal connections with that of Bari. The town has a rich history. In antique times, it was known by the name of Aulona, which was given to it by early Hellenic settlers. In the Middle Ages the Vlora region became an object of contention between various international powers that wanted to maintain a hold on Albania. During the Ottoman invasion it represented a centre of that power. This is also evidenced by the extensive Ottoman buildings in the city, such as the Great Mosque in the town centre, built in 1542 by the famous Turkish architect Mimar Sinan. A significant moment in the history of Vlora is the Declaration of Independence prior to the First World War, on 28th November 1912, by Ismail Qemali, a local bey. The event marked the end of five hundred years of Ottoman rule in Albania. The building that was the seat of the first government of an independent Albania is today a place of great interest for tourists. In the centre of town one's attention is drawn by the Monument of Independence, erected in Sheshi i Flamurit (The Square of the Flag). Another very interesting religious location is also "Kuz Baba" building of the Bektashi sect, perched up on the hill towering upon the town centre. This spot offers a unique view not only of the town, but also of the entire Vlora Bay.

Albania - Durres

Durres

It is the second largest city of Albania in terms of size, but also the largest most important port in the country. Durrës is one of the oldest towns in Albania with a long and turbulent history. According to ancient sources Durrës was founded in year 627 B.C by colonists from Corcyra and Corinth and settled in the territories of the Illyrian tribe of Taulantii. Initially, it was known by the name of Epidamnus, while later, by the name of Dyrrhachium.

Durres is one of the biggest towns and seaports in Albania. It has a population of 95.400 inhabitants. Durres is 39km from Tirana (capital of Albania). Durres is one of the most ancient cities in the country. It was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson- Dyrrah. From 1914-1920, Durres became the capital of Albania. Only 5 km away from Durres town is the beach area of Durres. Of great interest to visit are: The fortress of the city, the Amphitheater, Roman Thermal Baths, Archeological museum. It is the second largest city of Albania in terms of size, but also the largest most important port in the country. Durrës is one of the oldest towns in Albania with a long and turbulent history. According to ancient sources Durrës was founded in year 627 B.C by colonists from Corcyra and Corinth and settled in the territories of the Illyrian tribe of Taulantii. Initially, it was known by the name of Epidamnus, while later, by the name of Dyrrhachium. Later Durrës became the seat of the Illyrian kings of Taulantii, first, King Glaukias, and later, his sons, Monounios and Mytiles. In 314 B.C. the city was occupied by the Cassander of Macedonia, while in 229 B.C. it was conquered by the Romans. During the Roman rule, the amphitheater, the aqueduct, and other objects were built there. Mbreteresha Teuta DurresDuring the 7th to the 12th centuries, Durrës developed into the most important port of eastern Adriatic. In 1368, the city fell under the influence of Albanian prince Karl Topia, who in 1386, was forced to surrender the city to Venice. The latter held the city under its domination for 108 years. In 1501, Durrës was captured by the Ottomans. After that, the city began to decline and lost its importance. On the eve of independence, Durrës was occupied by the Serbs, who fled from it in May 1913. Unfortunately, during their withdrawal, the Serb forces plundered many rare archaeological exhibits which today are displayed in the Belgrade museums. Today the city of Durrës is the largest and most popular holiday resort in the country. It is a sandy and shallow beach, which makes it a favorite beach for families and their children. The city hosts very important sites, favorable for cultural tourism, such as the Amphitheater, the Byzantine forum, the archaeological museum which displays the Greek and Roman periods, the Venetian tower, the Fatih mosque, the Monument of Resistance, which is dedicated to the armed struggle against the fascist occupation of the country by fascist Italy on 7 April 1939, the Ethnographic museum. Through its harbor, the city has regular links with ferryboats to the Italian ports of Bari, Ancona, and Trieste. Durrës Beach Plazhi i Durresit 2Perhaps the most famous Albanian beach, it lies to the south of the town of Durrës, only 39 km away from the capital. This is the most popular beach in the country. It is 6 km long and the sand belt is wide. The waters are quite shallow close to the shore, which makes the beach very suitable for families and children. Its position in Durrës Bay protects it from winds. Durrës Beach has the largest concentration of tourist facilities, such as hotels, motels, villa compounds, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, bowling alleys, fitness halls and gyms, game parlors, etc. In addition to day tourists from the capital, Durrës beach is the number one destination for tourists from Kosova and Macedonia. To the north of Durrës, at the foot of the hills, is the well-known Plazhi i Currilave, where the waters are deep and the rocky beach is well protected from the hot winds coming from the land. Activities: sun and sea tourism, rowing, motorboat tours, water sports, etc

Albania - gjirokaster

Gjirokaster 

Gjirokastra is one of the most attractive towns of Albania. Gjirokastra has been called the City of One thousand Steps or The Stone City.

Gjirokastra is one of the most attractive towns of Albania. Gjirokastra has been called the “City of One thousand Steps” or “The Stone City”. It is of particular interest for its native architecture. The characteristic houses clustered around the majestic fortress towering above them as a huge battle ship, are small fortresses in themselves. Sheltered by a castle, the ancient city of Gjirokastra, with its mysterious atmosphere, is set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains. The narrow, winding cobbled streets of “the Museum City” of Gjirokastra exude a distinctive medieval feel. The castle is one of the best places where you have also the possibility to see the whole town. While in the area, why not spend the night in one of the typical houses. Gjirokastër was declared a “Museum City” in 1961 and a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 2005. It is the main southern city in the country. Initially, it was an Illyrian settlement linked to the Argjiro tribe. According to legend, Gjirokastër was founded by Princess Argjiro. In the Byzantine Chronicles of John Kantakuzen, Gjirokastër is mentioned as the fortress of the Zenebish family. In 1417 the Turks conquered it and turned it into an important center of Ottoman power and administration for hundreds of years. Gjirokastër became the center of the Sanjak of southern Albania. Visitors are impressed by the architecture of the city, the surprising landscape of the Drino Valley, and the invincible lime peaks of the Bureto and Lunxheri mountain chains. Whoever visits Gjirokastër understands Albania’s character –a beautiful and tough place with an uncompromising spirit. Situated in a particularly sensitive area of strategic and military importance, and with a very close proximity to the Greek border, Gjirokastër has been the stage of many important events in the history of the country. One of the most important: this is the birth place of the writer Ismail Kadare Ismail Kadare The renowned Albanian writer, Ismail Kadare, was born in Gjirokastër in 1936.  He studied literature at the University of Tirana and later continued his studies at Gorky University in Moscow.He returned to the country in 1961, after relations between Albania and the Soviet Union were severed. He started working as a journalist and became famous with his first novel, “The General of the Dead Army” (Gjenerali i ushtrise se vdekur), which he wrote between 1962 and 1966. Later, this novel served as the script for the movie with the same title, which starred the well-known Italian actor, Marcello Mastroianni. Kadare’s career was a success inside and outside the country. Today, he is the icon of the Albanian literature and also the most translated and the most successful writer outside the country. He has been a candidate for the Noble Prize in literature several times, and has been crowned with many honorary prizes of the world literature.  He was awarded the first “Man Booker International Prize in 2005.”

Albania - Berat

Berat

Berat is known as the “City of One-Thousands windows” due to the characteristic architecture of its houses. The city was originally Illyrian, as one can see from the great blocks of stone at the base of the fortress walls.

Berat is known as the “City of One-Thousands windows” due to the characteristic architecture of its houses. The city was originally Illyrian, as one can see from the great blocks of stone at the base of the fortress walls. As an ancient Illyrian settlement founded in the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. on the territory of the Illyrian tribe of Desarettes, Berat was transformed at the beginning of the 3rd century AD into fortified city known by the name of Antipatrea. Berat is a “Museum City” built on the slopes of a mountain with a castle dominating the site. The castle is of great interest. Within its walls, there is a residential quarter consisting of a considerable number of characteristic houses, cobblestone roads, and several churches belonging to different historical periods. The most interesting are the church of Saint Mary Vllaherna (13th century), the church of Saint Trinity, which is one of the most outstanding examples of Byzantine architecture in Albania. The Cathedral of Saint Mary was rebuilding in 1797 on the ruins of a previous church. Berat was occupied by the Ottomans and several mosques were constructed just below the castle, such as the King’s Mosque and Leaden Mosque. The “Onufri Museum” is well worth visiting for its paintings and icons created by Onufri, the remarkable 16th century painter, and the works of other artists. The town is composed of three parts: Gorica, Mangalem and the residential quarter within the fortress known as Kalaja. The city of Berat lies on the shores of the Osum River. With its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, the city boasts a wealth of buildings of exceptional historical and architectural interest.  In 1961 it was declared a Museum City of Albania and is anticipated to be named a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2007 or 2008.  Berat has been inhabited since prehistoric times and its extraordinary value relates to this 2400-year existence. A number of interesting sites of both cultural and natural significance are to be found here, which makes it one of the most complete tourism destinations in Albania, attracting many tourists throughout the entire year. Cultural attractions in Berat include the castle, the ethnographic museum, the Onufri Museum, and the historic Medieval Center, where the current offices of the Institute of Cultural Monuments can be located.  The historic districts of Mangalem and Gorica are not to be missed, either.  Other cultural activities in the city of Berat include taking an evening promenade along the Osum River and visiting the local artisans and Edward Lear Art Gallery.  Natural attractions include the Osum River, where one can fish and canoe, and Tomorr Mountain, a refreshing refuge from the city where “chai mali” (mountain tea) can be picked in the late spring through the early fall.