Eriona’s guidebook

Eriona
Eriona’s guidebook

Sightseeing

Kashar Lake This is the nearest nice place to my apartment you can visit if nature is your interest. If you want to touch the nature of the lakes or enjoy a picnic away from the noise of the capital, Kashari is the right space. This is thanks to the artificial lakes that stretch around it, which create the opportunity to be surrounded by the natural beauties of this area. The presence of four artificial lakes - Lake Kashar, Gjokaj, Kusi and Mëzez - positioned near a hilly relief, create a picturesque and relaxing landscape. To get the most out of this area, we suggest you take the bikes. On weekends, numerous groups choose this area for picnicking, hiking or even cycling. Historic info Evidence for Kashar's existence is early. But the first documentation that talks about it, is related to the battle waged by our National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, in the field of Limuth in 1456, against the Ottoman troops. Kashari today is a protected archaeological area, as in its surroundings have been found old objects over 300 years old, which prove the existence of a local identity. In the village of Kus in Kashar, you will find the ruins of the medieval church and mosque over 300 years old that bears the name of the village, as well as the ancient cemetery located in the Zalta plain.
Kashar
Kashar Lake This is the nearest nice place to my apartment you can visit if nature is your interest. If you want to touch the nature of the lakes or enjoy a picnic away from the noise of the capital, Kashari is the right space. This is thanks to the artificial lakes that stretch around it, which create the opportunity to be surrounded by the natural beauties of this area. The presence of four artificial lakes - Lake Kashar, Gjokaj, Kusi and Mëzez - positioned near a hilly relief, create a picturesque and relaxing landscape. To get the most out of this area, we suggest you take the bikes. On weekends, numerous groups choose this area for picnicking, hiking or even cycling. Historic info Evidence for Kashar's existence is early. But the first documentation that talks about it, is related to the battle waged by our National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, in the field of Limuth in 1456, against the Ottoman troops. Kashari today is a protected archaeological area, as in its surroundings have been found old objects over 300 years old, which prove the existence of a local identity. In the village of Kus in Kashar, you will find the ruins of the medieval church and mosque over 300 years old that bears the name of the village, as well as the ancient cemetery located in the Zalta plain.

Neighborhoods

Grand Park and Lake of Tirana. Once you have visited Tirana center, Blloku, museums, you will need some tranquility, even have a ride by bike, or have a tour with a small train, plan a picnic, go walking around the lake (5.5 km) and park. It is a nice area to my opinion in green, the biggest and the only one. It has also caffes (how they cannot be). A foreigner will describe it like that: "The lake and surrounding Grand Park might not be the most beautiful example of either in a European capital, but Tirana is fairly short on quiet, leafy areas, so both are much appreciated. Not far from the popular Blloku district either. Bikes and other multi-person cycles can be hired"
39 místní doporučují
Tirana
39 místní doporučují
Grand Park and Lake of Tirana. Once you have visited Tirana center, Blloku, museums, you will need some tranquility, even have a ride by bike, or have a tour with a small train, plan a picnic, go walking around the lake (5.5 km) and park. It is a nice area to my opinion in green, the biggest and the only one. It has also caffes (how they cannot be). A foreigner will describe it like that: "The lake and surrounding Grand Park might not be the most beautiful example of either in a European capital, but Tirana is fairly short on quiet, leafy areas, so both are much appreciated. Not far from the popular Blloku district either. Bikes and other multi-person cycles can be hired"

City/town information

Tirana is the capital city of Albania. What to do in Tirana? 1) Skanderberg Square. Visit the center, where there are: National Museum (2-5 euro ticket), OPERA, Clock Tower, Ethem Beu Mosque (built in 1884). BUNKART (A Bunker return in museum for visitors) This is where Tirana’s premier monuments are all assembled, including the Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum. It is named after George Castriot, an Albanian national hero, credited with halting the advance of the Ottoman Empire into central Europe. There’s a monument to Skanderbeg in the square, which occupies the spot where a communist-era statue of Josef Stalin once stood. The architecture surrounding the square is neo-renaissance, and there’s a large lawn with flower beds to round off the stately atmosphere. Skanderbeg is the city’s main venue for popular celebrations, such as 100 years of Albanian Independence in 2012. 2) PIRAMIDA It might seem strange to start with a derelict building, but the Piramida is unique. It’s an unforgettable and culturally-significant building from 1987, completed not long before the fall of communism. It was intended as a museum to honour the country’s despotic dictator Enver Hoxha who ruled from 1944-85, but naturally these plans were torn up after 1990. Now it’s at the crux of a debate on how to deal with the period after the Second World War, when Albania suffered 45 years of isolation. Some want to see it restored as a monument to that period, while others want it torn down. In the meantime it remains unused, except by graffiti artists and skaters. 3) Dajti Express (Mountain) This cable-car is a fun family day out and a superb introduction to the city, taking you up by cable car to the mountain on Tirana’s eastern edge. The cable car spans a kilometer, making it the longest in the Balkans, and rises more than 800 metres up the mountainside. The journey will take about 15 minutes and at the top there’s a tourism complex with restaurants and hotels. Of course the view over the city will be memorable, but there are also year-round activities on the table, including trekking and horseback riding in summer, and skiing in winter. 4) National Park of Dajti In Europe it’s unusual to find a national park right on the doorstep of a capital city, so don’t pass up the chance to venture out further into the mountain range that forms Tirana’s eastern boundary. If you want to really get out and experience the natural scenery here, take the trail that connects Mount Dajti with Mount Tujani, which rises to 1,580 metres. This peak is the highest in the park and can be scaled on foot if you’re a regular hiker. The view from the top is what the effort is for, not least because it includes the vast water reservoir, Lake Bovilla. Surrounding this lake are sheer cliffs that also provide some excellent climbing walls. 5) Multi-faith worship places Ethem Beu Mosque This place of worship was completed in the early-19th century and is one of the city’s top landmarks. At the fall of communism it was the site of one of the most remarkable events in Tirana’s recent history, when on the 10th of January 1991 10,000 people gathered to practise their religion, against the decree of the authorities who had banned Islam for almost half a century. In the end there was no police interference and the event marked a turning for religious freedom in Albania. The outer walls of this mosque are unusual as they depict idyllic scenery such as forests and waterfalls, which aren’t normally permitted in Islamic art. Orthodosk Church The Resurrection Cathedral is an Albanian Orthodox church situated in the center of Tirana, Albania. It is considered among the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkan Peninsula. Address: Rruga Ibrahim Rugova 1, Tirana 1001, Albania Katholic Church St Paul's Cathedral is a cathedral in Tirana, Albania. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës. The stained glass window to the left of the front door features Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Also a statue of Mother Teresa can be found at the entrance of the cathedral. It is a modern-looking building and does not resemble a traditional church.
39 místní doporučují
Tirana
39 místní doporučují
Tirana is the capital city of Albania. What to do in Tirana? 1) Skanderberg Square. Visit the center, where there are: National Museum (2-5 euro ticket), OPERA, Clock Tower, Ethem Beu Mosque (built in 1884). BUNKART (A Bunker return in museum for visitors) This is where Tirana’s premier monuments are all assembled, including the Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum. It is named after George Castriot, an Albanian national hero, credited with halting the advance of the Ottoman Empire into central Europe. There’s a monument to Skanderbeg in the square, which occupies the spot where a communist-era statue of Josef Stalin once stood. The architecture surrounding the square is neo-renaissance, and there’s a large lawn with flower beds to round off the stately atmosphere. Skanderbeg is the city’s main venue for popular celebrations, such as 100 years of Albanian Independence in 2012. 2) PIRAMIDA It might seem strange to start with a derelict building, but the Piramida is unique. It’s an unforgettable and culturally-significant building from 1987, completed not long before the fall of communism. It was intended as a museum to honour the country’s despotic dictator Enver Hoxha who ruled from 1944-85, but naturally these plans were torn up after 1990. Now it’s at the crux of a debate on how to deal with the period after the Second World War, when Albania suffered 45 years of isolation. Some want to see it restored as a monument to that period, while others want it torn down. In the meantime it remains unused, except by graffiti artists and skaters. 3) Dajti Express (Mountain) This cable-car is a fun family day out and a superb introduction to the city, taking you up by cable car to the mountain on Tirana’s eastern edge. The cable car spans a kilometer, making it the longest in the Balkans, and rises more than 800 metres up the mountainside. The journey will take about 15 minutes and at the top there’s a tourism complex with restaurants and hotels. Of course the view over the city will be memorable, but there are also year-round activities on the table, including trekking and horseback riding in summer, and skiing in winter. 4) National Park of Dajti In Europe it’s unusual to find a national park right on the doorstep of a capital city, so don’t pass up the chance to venture out further into the mountain range that forms Tirana’s eastern boundary. If you want to really get out and experience the natural scenery here, take the trail that connects Mount Dajti with Mount Tujani, which rises to 1,580 metres. This peak is the highest in the park and can be scaled on foot if you’re a regular hiker. The view from the top is what the effort is for, not least because it includes the vast water reservoir, Lake Bovilla. Surrounding this lake are sheer cliffs that also provide some excellent climbing walls. 5) Multi-faith worship places Ethem Beu Mosque This place of worship was completed in the early-19th century and is one of the city’s top landmarks. At the fall of communism it was the site of one of the most remarkable events in Tirana’s recent history, when on the 10th of January 1991 10,000 people gathered to practise their religion, against the decree of the authorities who had banned Islam for almost half a century. In the end there was no police interference and the event marked a turning for religious freedom in Albania. The outer walls of this mosque are unusual as they depict idyllic scenery such as forests and waterfalls, which aren’t normally permitted in Islamic art. Orthodosk Church The Resurrection Cathedral is an Albanian Orthodox church situated in the center of Tirana, Albania. It is considered among the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkan Peninsula. Address: Rruga Ibrahim Rugova 1, Tirana 1001, Albania Katholic Church St Paul's Cathedral is a cathedral in Tirana, Albania. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës. The stained glass window to the left of the front door features Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Also a statue of Mother Teresa can be found at the entrance of the cathedral. It is a modern-looking building and does not resemble a traditional church.
Kruja City It is a historic city, in mountain of Kruja. It is near to Tirana and you will feel yourself immerse in the past. Places to visit: Old Bazar (the street will send to you to the castle) Skanderbeg Museum, Rruga Kala, Kruja, Albania Ethnographic Museum, Rruga Kala, Kruja, AlbaniaThe castle - For more information look: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/albania/articles/how-to-spend-a-day-in-kruja/
27 místní doporučují
Krujë District
27 místní doporučují
Kruja City It is a historic city, in mountain of Kruja. It is near to Tirana and you will feel yourself immerse in the past. Places to visit: Old Bazar (the street will send to you to the castle) Skanderbeg Museum, Rruga Kala, Kruja, Albania Ethnographic Museum, Rruga Kala, Kruja, AlbaniaThe castle - For more information look: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/albania/articles/how-to-spend-a-day-in-kruja/
Durres city, is just 26 km from Tirana. You can go and have a look at the city itself, have a coffee at Vollga, and have a walk on the beach. Durres has been transformed a lot for worse in my opinion with many buildings near the seaside, but you can spend a nice half day there. If you come for beach, I would recommend the beach far away from city, toward Golem beach, Shkembi i Kavajes beach, etc.
62 místní doporučují
Durrës
62 místní doporučují
Durres city, is just 26 km from Tirana. You can go and have a look at the city itself, have a coffee at Vollga, and have a walk on the beach. Durres has been transformed a lot for worse in my opinion with many buildings near the seaside, but you can spend a nice half day there. If you come for beach, I would recommend the beach far away from city, toward Golem beach, Shkembi i Kavajes beach, etc.

Food scene

Traditional turkish-albanian food. Cozy environment Near to center
Sofra Turke
Nr. 169 Rruga e Kavajës
Traditional turkish-albanian food. Cozy environment Near to center
Special about this restaurant is the bread! They have bread from different kind of cereals which the flour they stone grind in traditional way, right there. I heard the food is quite good also, but little expensive for the locals :)
47 místní doporučují
Mullixhiu
47 místní doporučují
Special about this restaurant is the bread! They have bread from different kind of cereals which the flour they stone grind in traditional way, right there. I heard the food is quite good also, but little expensive for the locals :)
- Good food - near the National Park - family and kid friendly (a playground in the garden)
8 místní doporučují
Juvenilja Castle
1010 Rruga Skerdilajd Llagami
8 místní doporučují
- Good food - near the National Park - family and kid friendly (a playground in the garden)