Tirana City Guide Business And Tourist Travel Information
Tirana sightseeing Tirana attractions Tirana history Tirana restaurants Tirana nightlife Tirana accommodation Tirana hotels Tirana Apartments & Tirana weather
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irana City Guide Business & Tourist Travel Information
Tirana History Overview
The countryside around modern day Tirana is believed from archeological finds to have been settled from about 3,000BC. In 520AD a fortress was built by the Roman Emperor Justinian. This fortress was rebuilt in the 18th century. The area does not seem to have had any significance for several centuries though nearby there other small settlements at Lalmi, Ndroz & Preza.
The first documented evidence of Tirana dates back to 1418 in the work of Catholic Priest who was writing a history of Albania. In his account he refers to the villages of Greater Tirana and Lesser Tirana. By now the area had become under the rule of the Ottoman Empire who recorded in 1431 that Tirana has 7,300 people living in 1,000 homes in about 60 areas. The same records in 1583 indicate that the number of homes and population had nearly tripled.
In the following century Tirana's importance increased aided by it becoming a commercial centre with its own Mosques and Turkish baths. During the 18th & 19th century its grew very slowly. In 1912 Albania gained its independence and after WW1 in February 1920 Tirana. became it's capital . During the next two decades the city was influenced and developed by Italian architects. During WW2 the city was occupied by the Germans and Italians before its own communist party liberated the country in 1944. more
Attractions and Sightseeing In Tirana
Originally known as Teheran when it became a settlement of the Turkish Ottoman Empire early in the 17th century Tirana became the Capital of Albania in 1920. Most of it's buildings are 20th century though a few older Mosques have been maintained.
It is situated in the Ishm River and is a spacious city with wide squares; the main one being Sheshi Skenderbej. Tirana has many well cared for parks and open spaces.
Fort Preza, from the 15th century is worth a visit as it sits majestically in the foreground of the Kruja mountain. Fort Pertrela in southern Tirana also dates back to the Middle Ages. Mosque of Ethem Bey in the centre of Tirana. was built in 1789. Another appealing building in central Tirana is the Clock Tower built in 1830.
Museums In Tirana
The Museum of National History (phone +355 223446 / 228389 )
Archaeological Museum
Gallery of Fine Arts(closed Mondays)
Museum of Albanian Philately
The Museum of Natural Sciences
Crime - Personal Safety - Security In Tirana
Visitors to Tirana will find that this is generally a safe city to visit as it is well policed. In some parts of Albania there are areas prone to crime and violence with unlicensed gun ownership common- place. These situations are more commonly found in rural areas. Cities such as Tirana and Durres are far safer. Though the political situation in Albania is relatively stable the country has it problems. Please see Travel Warnings
Credit Cards Are Not Always Welcome
Visitors to Albania should be aware that not all establishments accept credit cards or Travellers Cheques. This may apply to many places, large or small, including hotels and restaurants in Durres and Tirana. We strongly advise you to check how you are expected to pay for any services before use or consumption etc
Credit Card Fraud
This is problem at times for tourists so if you do not prefer to use cash be aware of the risk and do not loose sight of the card.
Cash Machines / Bureaus
There are many ATM machines in Tirana and other main towns. Bureau de change are easily found and they welcome the Euro Sterling and US Dollars Avoid the private street exchangers who operate openly are illegal.
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Night Life In Tirana
Compared with other Eastern European cities, the night life is fairly quiet but visitors should check out The Colosseum Bar, which offers a wide range of imported beers, and an extensive choice of bizarre mixed drinks.
For Jazz enthusiasts The Boom Boom Room which features live jazz on one of its two floors is recommended. Also popular with locals and tourists is The Apollonia Restaurant which serves Albanian, Greek & Italian food and it is rumored that it now offers some Thai.
Restaurants In Tirana
More and more restaurants are opening in Tirana. A updated list of these is available from the National Tourist Board website
Hiring Taxis In Tirana
The most reliable taxis are yellow with red numbers on their licence plate. The 25km journey from Rinas Airport should cost €20 after the customary bartering !
Visa Information For Albania
Disclaimer: This information is given as an indication only on Visa & Entry Requirements to Albania Please check your personal status by using the euromost consulate information page or with the Albanian Foreign Office / Ministry.
Citizens From These Countries Should Not Need Visas:
UK, EU countries, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Bulgaria, Turkey.
Citizens from these countries should be able to obtain visas at the border, port / place of entry - Egypt,Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Malta, Israel.
Citizens From Other Countries:
Should contact the Albanian Embassy in the country or the agency representing the same, which they be leaving from to go to to Albania.
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Travel Alert | ||||
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| Tirana- Albania Weather Details: |
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Tirana Albania Weather Forecast |
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monthly average and extreme temperatures in Tirana Albania: |
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sun hours per day |
Temperatures |
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Average Daily |
Records |
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Minimum |
Maximum |
Lowest |
Hghest |
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January |
4 |
2 |
12 |
-8 |
19 |
February |
4 |
2 |
12 |
-8 |
22 |
March |
5 |
5 |
15 |
-4 |
26 |
April |
7 |
8 |
18 |
-1 |
28 |
May |
8 |
12 |
23 |
3 |
33 |
June |
10 |
16 |
28 |
6 |
37 |
July |
11 |
17 |
31 |
11 |
38 |
August |
11 |
17 |
31 |
10 |
40 |
September |
9 |
14 |
27 |
5 |
35 |
October |
7 |
10 |
23 |
1 |
31 |
November |
3 |
8 |
17 |
-3 |
25 |
December |
2 |
5 |
14 |
-7 |
22 |
extreme cold |
hot |
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Tirana Albania Tourist Board Information |
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http://www.tirana.gov.al/?cid=2 |
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