Tirana has been the capital of the Republic of Albania since 1920 and its largest city.



Before World War II, Tirana had two printing presses, one power plant, several wood processing plants using outdated techniques, and several soap factories. Today Tirana is the largest industrial centre of Albania. Many industries, such as food, textile, the building materials, mechanical products, and electrical products, are based in Tirana.

The city centre is small and reasonably competent. The shoe shopping is good, they are cheap around 30 percent less than in other European cities, most are of Italian quality. The shopping is still best in the established areas such as in the bllok district and along Rruga Myslym Shyri, you are more likely to find bargains and groovy stuff there than in the malls.

Tirana may not be one of Europes night life hot spots yet, but it is certainly improving fast. The fun starts with the lively xhiro ending at the blloks bars and bustling cafes. The Albanians prefer sipping coffee to serious drinking.

The Clock Tower is one of the towns many attractions. It was started by Haxhi Et hem Bey around 1821 22 and was finished with the help of the rich families of Tirana. Its installation was the work of the Tufina family. In 1928 the Albanian state bought a modern German clock and the tower was raised to a height of 35 metres. The clock was damaged during World War II and it was repaired in July 1946. The Clock Tower stands next to the Ethem Bey Mosque.

The Grand Park, lying in the southern part of the city and extending over an area of 55 hectares with an artificial lake included. The Tirana Grand Park has a big variety of plants, you can find there decorative shrubs, about 120 kind of plants, and flowers of various colours.

The Palace of Culture is where the Ballet, the National Library and Theatre of Operas stand was finished in 1963. It was raised on the ex old Trade of Tirana and the ex soviet president Nikita Hrushov put on the first brick in 1959.

The National Museum of History is the finest and largest museum in Albania you will find it next to the Tirana International Hotel the tallest building in the country and The National Historic Museum was built in 1981 and the ornament on its frontal part is called Albania.