Over fall break we decided to stay in Tirana and learn more about where we live. So often it seems that we are too busy to explore and delve more deeply into the history and culture right in front of us. So we spent a few days being tourists and came away with a deeper appreciation for the complex history and the rich culture of this country we have the privilege to call “home” right now.

Joined a walking tour – one stop was Tirana’s “pyramid”

The Clock Tower

Downtown square from the top of the clock tower

We joined a free walking tour one day! Our guide was interesting and informative!

Toptani Mall

Visited the National Art Gallery

Italian style architecture

Toptani Road by what’s left of Tirana “castle”

Government Offices

Communist era bunker and piece of Berlin wall

Bunker museum

Inside the bunker museum

Communist era female fighter

Statues of Communist leaders (can you recognize Stalin and Lenin?)

Orthodox Church

Mother Teresa

Catholic Church

Statue of Sulejman Pasha (founder of Tirana)

The Unknown Partisan

Tanner’s Bridge (Ottoman)