Linda and her son Luris are perhaps Tirana's most fervent collectors and restorers of traditional Albanian costumes; they sold the family house and moved into a rented apartment to be able to purchase more items. Although they do not have a permanent exhibition space yet, they are happy to show their collection and sell some items to interested visitors. Their top pieces, which include waistcoats, heavy woollen embroidered xhubleta skirts, and delicate tablecloths. Luris speaks English and French. Take a taxi or bus up Rr. Elbasanit to the first roundabout after the Martyr's Cemetery and you'll be met there.
[...]

Add your comment

You can't miss the gargantuan mosaic on the facade - it represents the development of Albania's history with everyone from Illirians to partisans represented. Inside, each hall covers one of the stages in the development of the Albanian nation. Repeated looting in the 1990s has robbed the museum of many artefacts, but it remains the best place in Albania to tank up on history and to view beautiful finds from the many archeological sites across the country. One hall focuses on the years around the Second World War and the resistance movements, while the museum ends with a harrowing exhibition about Albania's gruesome labour camp system and the thousands of men and women who were swallowed by it. There are some English texts but it's best to bring an Albanian for a better understanding. The museum shop is an excellent place to shop for traditional crafts. [...]

Add your comment

An excavated Byzantine-era church ruin that was only discovered in 1972 boasts Tirana's oldest artworks: mosaics with geometric patterns and depictions of poultry and fish. Nicely exhibited in a little park and protected by a makeshift roof, there are also various stones, some from the church iconostasis, scattered around the site. Unfortunately there's little in the way of explanations. A little obscure but well worth a look if you're in this part of town: look for the Hallall pizzeria on the northern end of the street, and walk 100 metres west. [...]

Add your comment