Republic of Albania REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA) - A small state, which is located in the southeastern part of Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula is washed by the waters of the Ionical and Adriatic Seas. The neighbors in the northeast are Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo, in the south-east - Greece, and is separated from Italy in the west of the Strait of Otranto. The relief is mostly mountains and hills that alternate with deep valleys. There are several lakes in the country. By occupied area Albania Located in 139th place in the world. The independence of the country was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. During the first half of the twentieth century Albania Constantly was in the occupation. A completely free state was after the completion of World War II.

Republic of Albania

1. Capital

The most populated city of the country, the largest political and economic center. Located at the foot of the Mountain Dit, here leads cable car And then there is one national parks Albania. Diti is one of the most popular and favorite locations in the townspeople, in which they spend the weekend with the whole family.

was founded by Turks in 1613 and was called Tehoreran, and in 1920 she became capital of Albania. Population Tirana It is about 380 thousand people. The country has been isolated enough long period, but now you can visit this wonderful city without any problems and find out his story.

2. Flag

The flag of Albania shows:

Red cloth and double-headed black eagle in the center of the flag.

The value and a little story of the flag of Albania:

National flag of Albania He was adopted on April 7, 1992, and the coat of arms was inflicted on him on May 22, 1993. The red flag symbolizes the blood of Albanian patriots, which was spilled in the fight against Turkish invaders. According to one of the versions, the two-headed eagle in the center of the flag is the origin of Albanians, as the descendants of the eagle, on the other, the eagle was borrowed from the coat of arms of the Byzantine Empire. Double-headed black eagle on a red background was a banner of the struggle against the Turks.

3. Coat of arms

Coat of arms of Albania Presents an image black double-headed eagle Located by shield of red color Over which the Skanderbeg helmet is depicted. George Skandardbeg, whose helmet is located on herbe Albaniais the national hero Albania. Skandardbeg struggled for union and independence Albaniaand reflected the invasions of the Turks.

4. Hymn.

listen to Anthem Albania

watch and listen anthem Albania

5. Currency

Albania currency. State currency Albania is an - Albanian Lek (currency sign - L., bank code: All.) . Name Lek. Comes from abbreviations by Alexander the Great (Alb. Leka i Madh). The idea of \u200b\u200bthe bill is quite interesting and sympathetic. In circulation there are banknotes with a par 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 league of different execution (you can meet the banknotes of three different issues that are based on appearance), and coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 league. Albanian Lek Consists of 100 kinders.

Course Albanian Lekato ruble or other any currency can be viewed on the currency converter:

Albanian Lekit has such an appearance:

Albania coins

Banknotes Albania

6. 10 largest cities of Albania:

1. Tirana (Capital)
2. Elbasan
3. Durres
4. Shkoder
5. VLOO
6. Korch
7. Fiuri
8. Kuchow
9. Saranda
10. Berat

7. Geography

Albania Square: 28,748 km 2, one of the smallest countries in Europe.

Albania Located in the West of the Balkan Peninsula. In the south-east and south bordered by Greece (the length of the common border - 282 km), in the east - with Macedonia (151 km.), In the north and northwest - with Kosovo (115 km.) And Montenegro (172 km.) . Washed by the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas (coastline - 362 km.). Strait of Otranto, 75 km width., Dresses Albania from Italy.

Geography of Albania It is characterized by two large regions: the region where the mountains and highlands dominate (North, East, and South) dominate, this region is 70% of the country's total territory; and the western region where coastal lowland and plains dominate, in these regions there are almost all the agricultural land of the country, and is the most populated part Albania. More than a third of the territory Albania It is covered with forests and swamps, meadows occupy another third, and only one fifth used for agricultural land.

8. How to get to Albania?

9. What to see what

The main attraction of Albania is her climate and natural conditions. Albania I collected a lot of exciting natural objects that manyat travelers - the country's landscape is rich in rocky peaks and picturesque mountains, dense forest, beautiful beaches, washed by the azure-blue water of the Adriatic.

In addition to the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania It has at its disposal a lot of historical attractions. In the territory Albania Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire left their mark. And many artifacts of those distant times are very well preserved and can be visited today.

And as not strange, but Albania Together with its sights practically not studied by foreign tourists.

But small list of attractionson which attention should be paid when drawing up an excursion plan for Albania:

• Amphitheater Durres
• Big Park
• Great Mosque
• Byzantine Forum and Rotonda Durres
• Resurrection Cathedral
• Mount Dite
• Ancient Apollonia
• Durres Castle and Venetian Tower
• Tirana Castle
• Historical Museum in the city of Vlaire
• Rosaf Fortress
• Mosque of the GyroStra
• Mosque Muradie
• Mons Bridge
• Museum of medieval art
• Museum-Reserve Byrint
• National Marine Park "Karaburun-Sazan"
• Ruins of synagogues
• Lead Mosque
• Citadel and Weapon Museum

10. And what is the weather here?

Climate Albania. Most of the territory Albania Located in the subtropical climatic zone, Mediterranean climate, moderate. Characteristic feature climate Albania The coastal zone is dry and hot summer and soft warm winter. average temperature in the capital of Albania Tirana In mid-July - 25 ° C, in August, hotter - from 17 ° C to 31 ° C. In winter, the temperature varies from + 2 ° C to + 25 ° C. Mountain areas of the country are inherent continental climate. In the north of winter, very cold and snowy, and in summer a large amount of precipitation falls. Holiday season in Albania It lasts from May to September, sometimes it can last another month.

11. Population

Albania's population. Albania - One of the most unclosed European countries. Population make up 2.89 million human. Albanians make up 95% of the country's total population. In addition to them, about 50 thousand Greeks (3%), 20 thousand Macedonians, 8 thousand Chernogort residents, as well as representatives of other nations - Bulgarians, Serbs, Tsygan, and others live in the country.

What do you need to dress?

What kind of clothes need to capture with you going in Albania? When choosing clothes for Trips to AlbaniaAt all should not be focused on the erroneous opinion that because of religious features, it is forbidden to wear some types of clothing in the country. There is a similar tendency, however, it does not apply to tourists, therefore take clothes and shoes familiar to you and do not bother about the choice of the outfit. For hiking excursions it will be the most convenient shoes, warm things will not be superfluous in the evening, windbreaker and umbrella will help from bad weather. A compact set of clothing for the season will not depend on the weather whims.

12. What about to eat?

National cuisine Albania. Due to its location and neighborhood with a large number of countries albanian national cuisine I learned about the truly diverse and tasty. Also a significant impact on the kitchen was rendered without a small 4th century Ottoman domination. Great popularity in national Kitchen Albania Seafood dishes are used, for example, to say sea bass with tomatoes, which inherited from the ancient Roman and Greek chefs. In local restaurants you can enjoy brodetto from crabs or various types risotto.

To prepare a large number of dishes albanian cuisine Use boiled and canned corn. Corn flour is the basis of the national dish. The restaurants serve many dishes from both fresh and stewed vegetables. From dairy products Popular sheep milk. Sheep in highlands Albania Divided a long time ago. Milk is part of many dishes, it prepares many varieties of cheese.

Popularity among drinks Albanian cuisine won " bosua"- Sweet drink based on sugar, water, corn and wheat flour, and cold drink" tarator»Based on kefir, cucumbers and olive oil.

13. Shopaholikov note

Rumors that in Albania Lovers Shopping Will be bored. However, this is not the case, there are many branded shops and outlets in which you can buy exclusive goods much cheaper than in the main capitals of fashion. And all thanks to the "neighbor" - Italy. A large number of sewing factories and production is located in the cities Albaniawho label their belongings "Made in Italy".

Albania One of the few countries in which it is very profitable to make purchases. And the country is known for its wonderful masters, which manually manufacture stunning decor items from different materials (wood, wool, bone, etc.). In any corner of the republic, you will find many souvenir shops with exclusive goods: statuette, silks, yarn or dishes.

14. Rules of approximate behavior

Features of behavior in Albania. In public places try to do without outfits that contain shorts, open dresses or short skirts. And remember that in Albania Kivok head denotes NOT, and winding head from side to side - YES.

15. Holidays

National holidays and non-working days in Albania:

• 1 - 2 January - New Year
• January 7 - Orthodox Christmas
• january - February - Great Bayram
• January 11 - Day of the Republic of Albania
• one day in March - Kurban Bayram
• april - Good Friday and Easter
• May 1 - Labor holiday (Labor Day)
• October 19 - Mother Teresa Day
• November - Small Bayram
• November 28 - Flag Day Albania
• November 29 - the Day of Liberation Albania
• December 25 - Christmas

16. Flora and Fauna

Nature Albania - One of the most colorful and varied in Europe. It is characterized by a mountain relief, a thick forest, high rocky peaks, the picturesque coasts are washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, which can compete with the best European Mediterranean resorts.

Vegetable world. In mountainous areas Albania Geological conditions are unfavorable for the formation of fertile soils. Soil and ground masses, demolished from mountains, create malfavorable conditions for agriculture. Low hills are mainly covered by the thickets of xerophytic shrubs - McWis. They gradually replace with deciduous forests, in which oaks are dominated in the middle yarus of the mountains. Among other trees are common birch, chestnut and pine.

Animal world. In Albania Many wild animals have survived, but they are concentrated in places of plateau and mountains, where in sufficient amounts of surface waters. Predators such as brown bears, wolves, jakery, lynx, forest cats, and ternyopny, like wild boar, roar and deer, at one time meeting around the country, are currently pushed into more inaccessible mountain areas. In the lowlands dwells a lot of wild birds, such as pelicans and herons. Among the reptiles there are a lot of snakes, tags, viper, lizards, and can also be stumbled upon gecko and turtles.

Albania It has at its disposal 6 national parks, 24 nature reserves and monuments of nature.

17. Religion

• Muslim Sunni (70%)

• christians:

• greek Orthodox Church - 20%
• catholics - 10%
• and representatives of other denominations.

Albania - The only European country that has a Muslim majority.

18. Medicine

Medicine Albania. The level of medicine in the country is significantly inferior, compared with its European "neighbors". Health care is poorly developed, in many parts of the country there is a constant shortage of medical preparations, the level of training of local doctors can be characterized as low, the existing medical equipment is very outdated or failed.

Official medicine in Albania For the entire population of the country - free. For guests and arriving in the middle of tourists, only the first turns out health careFor all other services rendered will be charged. Paid medicine in Albania Stably gains momentum, but Albania has taken a course of a radical restructuring of health care.

19. "Dangerous for life"

Dangerwho may clutch you in Albania:

Albania - pretty Calm country, and stay in it does not require special security measures. In crowded places and follow the bag and wallet. In general, Albanian society is quite conservative: respect the opinion of the older generation and try not to enter into a dispute on the themes of religion or politics. Flowing water is not hazardous to health, but drinking still recommend bottled.

So there are not many dangers in this country, but here are some of them:

• the gathering of landslides
• gathering stonepads
• wild animals

20. Souvenirs

Here is a small list the most common souvenirwhich tourists usually bring from Albania:

• wine glasses with plates, magnets, crafts with the image of the coat of arms
• crafts from marble or decorative plates
• silverware
• bunker-shaped ashtray
• wooden kitchen utensils
• albanian National Clothing
• carpets
• lighters and red flags depicting the national coat of arms of the country
• the famous beer Korch
• cognac Skedenberg.
• local vodka - Rakia
• spices and olives.

21. "Nor nailing rod" or customs regulations

Duty to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams are allowed to import to Albania. tobacco, up to 1 l. Strong alcoholic beverages and up to 2 liters. Wines, up to 250 ml. toilet water and up to 50 ml. perfume. Import and exports of the local currency are prohibited. Import of foreign currency is not limited, exports are permitted within $ 5 thousand.

Strictly-setting is prohibited by the import of firearms and ammunition, pornographic materials and drugs. Special permission is necessary for the export of precious metals, antiques, national costumes that have artistic value, historical books and works of art. Export of antiquities, including stones from archaeological excavations, is prohibited.

22. Language

Albanian language in Albania is the official language.

And what about sockets?

Voltage in the electrical network Albania: 220 Volt, frequency 50 Hz. Outlet Type: Type C, type F

23. Phone Code Albania:

Country code: +355
Geographical domain name of the first level: .al

Dear reader! If you were in this country or you have something to tell interesting about Albania . Write! After all, your lines can be useful and educational for visitors of our site. "On the planet step by step"and for all lovers travel.

Albania is a small South European state located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. From the north-west of Albania is washed by the Adriatic Sea, and from the south-west - waters Ionian Sea. The official name of the country is the Republic of Albania. A detailed map of Albania demonstrates that despite the diverse relief of the Balkan side of the Adriatic, the country has only three in its disposal uninhabited islands, the largest of which is the Sazan Island - does not exceed 5 km 2 in the area.

Albania on the World Map: Geography, Nature and Climate

Even for Europe, the size of the country is quite modest. Albania on the world map takes only 28748 km 2. Total length Albania's borders - 717 km, but it boasts four terrestrial neighbors. In the North-West, the country borders the Montenegro, in the south-east - with Greece and in the West - with Macedonia. Albania also has a border cut from Serbia in the North-East, but this territory of the Serbian state has recently been part of a partially recognized Republic of Kosovo.

In addition, the country borders with Italy through the Sranto Straito. The length of the coastline of the state is 362 km.

The feature of the borders of Albania is that they are completely artificial. During the creation of the country, the boundaries were determined without taking into account the terrain, which is especially clearly visible in the southern borders of the state.

Geographical position

Contrary to small sizes, Albania can demonstrate a rather diverse relief. About 70% of the country is represented by hilly and mountainous regions. Along the northern border settled mountains crossingwhich on the map of Albania in Russian can be called the Nordic Albanian Alps. Their height reaches 2692 m, but the highest point The countries are south, on the border with neighboring Macedonia. Height mountains shipIncluded in the mountain ridge of the same name is 2762 m above sea level.

Only the central and northwestern coastal regions of Albania are located on fertile plains. Country valleys are replete with rivers. The largest of them - river Drin. Its length is 148 km and it, like almost all the country rivers, originates in the eastern mountain areas and flows into the Adriatic Sea. Also on the lands of Albania there are many lakes, but the largest of them - Press, Shkoder and Ohrid Lake - Located on the borders of the country.

Animal and vegetable world

Albania's mountainous regions are lowland and presented, for the most part, forests. There are beech, chestnut, birch, pine and fir. The equilibin territory of the country is represented by standard Mediterranean evergreen shrubberry and extensive agricultural regions.

Fauna Albania is concentrated in mountain deserted areas. Here they live bears, wolves, lynx, cunits, deer and wild boars. On the coast B. large quantities Migratory birds live: Pelicans, swallows, storks and herons. Coastal waters are rich in fishing fish, and in mountain rivers is often found trout.

Climate

The country is clearly represented by the phenomenon of high-altitude. For flat and coastal areas, a Mediterranean subtropical climate is peculiar. Summer temperatures here reach 25-27 ° C, and the winter fluctuate in the range of 8-9 ° C. The mountain regions closer to the moderately continental climate and the temperature here is an average of 5-7 ° C below. The sediments in the country are quite abundant, but are unevenly distributed. So, in the Northern Albanian Alps this indicator comes to 2500 mm per year. On the coast, the precipitation level does not exceed 1300 mm, and in eastern regions Albania is lowered to 750 mm.

Map of Albania with cities. Administrative division of the country

Albania is divided by 12 regions. By area, they are quite comparable. The average population density is about 100 per km 2. The Albania map with cities in Russian demonstrates that the largest cities of the country are located on the plain coastal lands. 50% of the population lives in three western areas on the Adriatic Sea coast.

Tirana

Tirana - the capital and the largest city of Albania. Located close to the geographical center of the country. Up to 30 percent of the population lives here. It is natural that Tirana is an economic, industrial, scientific, educational and cultural Center Albania.

Durres

30 km to the west of the capital on the coast of Adriatic, Durres was spread - the second largest city of the state. In addition to the largest port of the country in the city there is the greatest number. architectural monuments in Albania.

VLOO

In the southwestern part of the country, at the junction of the two seas, the city of Vlaire is located. It is large tourist centre And the second largest port of the country. It is the deer that is the base of Albania naval forces.

Albania, a state located in the south-east of Europe, in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula.

The borders of Albania take place next to countries such as Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Montenegro. From Italy, Albania separates the strait of the Otranto width of 75 kilometers. Capital - Tirana. Albania is washed at once the two seas ionic and adriatic. Albania wonderful countrywhich undoubtedly be called the pearl of the Mediterranean. Picturesque lakes, Shkoder, Preslah, Ohrid Lake, are the sights of this country, some of them are protected by UNESCO, due to the fact that they have a unique flora and fauna. About ¾ of the whole territory occupy mountains and plains.

Delightful nature and the ability to combine several types of rest, both beach and active, attracts in Albania every year more and more tourists.

Sights of Albania.

Albania is an amazing country, and being in it on vacation simply impossible not to see at least some of those wonderful places that it has. Conditionally, all the sights of Albania can be divided into architectural, natural and cultural (museums). Tirana Castle, Durres Amphitheater, Rosather Fortress, Museum of Medieval Art and National historical Museum, as well as Mount Dite and the National Marine Park "Karaburun - Sazan", the spring "Blue Eye" - is just a small list of those places that just need to be visited in Albania.

What attractive Albania for tourists?

Albania is small but very beautiful country, with its history and interesting places. For lovers beach holidaysThe season in Albania opens from May and continues until the end of September. It was during this period that tourists will be able to soak on magnificent beaches, and even the July heat is being transferred there quite favorably due to a light breeze. Due to the fact that Albania is washed at once with two seas (ionic and adriatic), tourists have the opportunity on which of the beaches to spend your holiday. Families, resting with children, the Adriatic coast is more suitable with sandy beaches. The ionic coast, as a rule, has pebble and small beaches, but the sea is distinguished by amazing and unique beauty. Many tourists come to the Ionian Sea for diving. For tourists who prefer to leisure, Albania offers the following ways to carry out:

• Horseback riding, almost every one resort town, there are centers of horse breeding, so tourists will not be difficult to issue such an excursion and get a lot of unforgettable impressions;
• Mountaineering, extreme view rest, but rather popular with tourists, not a prepared person better to refrain from him;
• Cycling, ideal option for recreation and sightseeing;
• Rafting, alloy on mountain rivers, which in Albania there is quite a lot, will not leave any extremal indifferent;
• Trekking, one of the directions active restare hiking According to the reserved and uncharted routes of Albania.

When visiting Albania, pay attention to the fact that in this country Kivok head means a negative answer, and the swing head from side to the side is positive. If you are offered coffee - do not refuse this drink, he is sacred and loves the Albanians.

Tourists who visited Albania advise to take advantage of a car rental for several days, thus the opportunity to visit as many attractions as possible and interesting places This small, but such a beautiful country.

To visit the Albanian capital you need to morally prepare. I still remember my first shock from dirt, noise, the lack of tablets with the names of streets and Djigitov drivers, knocked down to knock any pedestrian, daring to stand on the roadway. Six months after returning from the trip, I look at the photos of Tirana and my memories seem to me face. Tirana is a dynamic city with a lively car movement, with green boulevards, public parks, a river in concrete shores and a digital map from Google. Only photography rats along the river gives my memories of some truthfulness.

Monument to Skanderbuga by main Square Tirana.

Tirana (Tirana) became the first city I visited in Albania. Night bus From Macedonia landed me in half the morning at one of the desert streets of the Albanian capital. The place of disembarking passengers, although it seemed the chosen driver that night completely accidentally, the crowd of taxi drivers, who began to import their services to squabble passengers, only those began to leave the bus, and grab their hands to pay attention to themselves.

Skanderbeg's area, which I saw her at dawn. I was disappointed, learning that the main square of Tirana is on reconstruction.

At night capital Albania sleeping. On the street, which led me to Skandardbeg Square, a flock of stray dogs ran next to me. The first impression of entirely coincided with the widespread stereotype of Albania in Europe.

Monument to Skanderbega on the main square of Tirana. Scanderbeg - National Hero Albania. I wrote about his participation in the formation of the Albanian national idea in a report from the fortress.

Skanderbeg Square is made in the classic style of the main squares of all totalitarian states of the world. In such countries, the task of the Central Square is to create the illusion of importance and prosperity. A huge area does not make sense of integrity, since its appearance was formed for decades. Here are collected by the modern opera house, the Museum of History, the old Mosque etham, a monument to the National Hero of Skanderbeg, the three-story buildings of government bodies and the fifteen-storey hotel "Tirana International". Each of these buildings was built in another period of history, so the established architectural ensemble Looks very inexorable. I was not even lucky in the fact that during my visit the square was closed for reconstruction, new sewer pipes and concrete blocks were scattered throughout. The facade of the Museum of History of Albania was closed by construction forests, and the famous relief on the topic of Albanian history was hidden from the eyes.

Hotel "Tirana International" is the highest building on Skanderbeg Square.

The purpose of the reconstruction is to remove the automotive movement from the main square of the city and make it completely pedestrian. So the tirana power wants to make their city more attractive for tourists. Construction sponsor - Kuwait Bank. In addition to the arrangement of the main square, Kuwait Bank pays the construction of the largest Albania mosque somewhere nearby.

Albanian Opera House, Soviet Government Gift Communist Government Albania. After the breaking of relations from the USSR in 1961, the building was unfinished for a long time until the Albanians were completed by his own forces.

At about five o'clock in the morning, Imam called through a megaphone on a minaret on the morning prayer, after which the first "larks" appeared on the square. Over the next hour, the area has gradually filled with people. The first policeman also appeared on duty, he came to work on a broken bike. Suspended people in the early morning produced depressing impressions. They not only did not smile ascending Sun.But and very unfairly looked at a person with a big camera.

Museum of History of Albania with Bereleph, made in the best traditions Socialist realism.

Thanks to a familiar friend of my friend, I was settled in a hotel in the western part of Tirana. There was no card in my guidebook capital Albania, so it seemed to me that I live on the severity of civilization. After loading a few days ago, photos on the map of the world, I found out that the hotel was at a distance of one transport ring from the center, that is, approximately 20 minutes walk from the central square. Without having a card and not knowing the optimal route, I got to the center of the neighbor's paths.

Typical apartment building in Tirana. On the battered plaster and holes in the windows on the staircase, you can make a very accurate conclusion about the average living standard in Albania.

After breakfast, I straight went to the city of steep, which is twenty kilometers north of Tirana. For this, I have long been looking for the courtyard of a residential building, in which passengers are going to Crash. About features route taxi In Albania, I told in detail in the review report from Albania.

The minibuses collect passengers in the courtyards of residential buildings, as there is still free parking. In the photo at the top: the minibus to the fortress is steep in one of the courtyards of the capital.

In Cruel, I visited the Museum of the National Hero of Albania, Skandardbega, met the national life of the Albanian Albanian family of the 19th century in the ethnographic museum and bought several souvenirs home. Upon return, I fell to bed and slept until 4 pm. So I managed to avoid heat.

On the streets of Tirana, lively movement. Drivers not only are not inferior to the road to pedestrians, but it seems to be tormented by knocking off each, which pulled down on the roadway.

Capital Albania - Very hot city. The average air temperature in August reaches 31 degrees here, and during my trip in Tirana, the sun fry for all 40 degrees! I slept the hottest time of day, after which I took a shower and went to the city. For acquaintance with the Albanian capital, I had all the time before the sunset, that is, no more than four hours.

Dust, heat and aggressive drivers do not scare pedestrians who need to urgently go to the opposite side of the street.

"Mercedes" is the most common car on the streets of Albania. Most of the old "Mercedes" were hijacked in Western Europe.

Without a map of the city and without pointers, I did not know where I was going. The first thing I moved towards the river, which I saw in the morning. The river crosses the city from the east to the west and divides Tiran into two parts. In the southern part of the city there was a district of Bllylok, in which the political top of the ruling regime lived. The entrance to the blocking ordinary people was forbidden. Today Blind "Opened and works around the clock" (c). Here more often than in other areas of the city, you can find foreigners, both tourists and embassy staff, as well as the Golden Albanian youth. I had dinner in one of the most famous Tiranian restaurants, Era. Recommend!

In Albania, a lifestyle, familiar to us from traveling in the Middle East, is common: men can be headed for hours in chairs, discuss politics, drink coffee and play backgammon.

Albanian men play domino after lunch.

In the cafe in the courtyard of a residential building there is a whole exchange of valuable information.

The first floors of houses in Tirana are assigned to a private business. Small business in the city flourishes.

So far, before dinner, I had a few more hours, I began to look for the city center, moving along the river. On both sides of the concrete coast of the river, the lawn was extended with a bent lawn, and the river could be transferred to small bridges, many of which were pedestrian. On one of these pedestrian bridges, the guy sold the books "from asphalt" and he was very disappointed that I managed to take a picture of it. Photographers in Albania do not like.

The Lana River shares the city to the northern and southern parts.

Trafficking books on the bridge across the Lana River.

Rat is digging in the leaves on the river bank. In Tirana, all the same is very dirty.

In Tirana is very dirty. Due to the turbulent events of the nineties, the population of the Albanian capital rose from three hundred thousand to half a million residents. Near the river I got on the eyes of the rat when she was sinking in a pile of fallen leaves. There is a lot of dust on the street, the feeling of which in a dry hot day is only enhanced. But among all this dirt, the roads are separated by boulevards with trees and blooming bushes, and pedestrian sidewalks are tiled. In the morning, the road is watered with water. In several places outside the center, there were signs with information for tourists, how to go to the most popular attractions.

Two-speaking directions to attractions on Kavaja Rruga Kavaja.

Many Tirana Avenues are decorated with flowering bushes and green alleys.

Another boulevard in Tirana on the streets themselves Frasheri, the creator of the Albanian alphabet.

The city authorities of Tirana, although they were mired in corruption and other inheress their sins politicians, still pay part of attention to the improvement of the city, as far as possible. There are no postcases in Tirana, and the rooms of the houses are not written on the facades. But the old apartment buildings that would appropriate to be called barracks, judging by the level of life, put in order at least outside. According to the decree of the previous mayor of tyranana, the facades of many old houses were decorated in bright colors and fantastic patterns.

Old quarters are trying to "cheer" with colorful patterns on the facades. Inside houses nothing has changed.

At the facade of this house, the awesome linen was drawn, so that the awesome actually did not get into the eyes.

Capital Albania Survives the construction boom. Modern housing is built as high as possible. The TID 25-storey tower near the central Square of Tirana will soon become the highest residential building of the city.

In Tiran, a huge income gap is noticeable. It would seem that what should be a gap in income so that he rushes into the Kievian's eyes! The problem is that there is almost no industry in Albania, and the routine of the economy, built on the principles of the command and administrative management system, were collapsed together with the dictatorial regime of Enver Khoji, with difficulty holding out 45 years failed political experiment. Poverty was characteristic of Albania in times of communism. Corruption flourished. In addition to poverty, the Communist Government of Albania led by extremely discriminatory policies in relation to its citizens. Not only are the nomenclature and ordinary people lived in separate areas, the entrance to which was closed, so even the car was the subject of unimaginable luxury. In 1990, in all Albania there were only 1000 cars, they all belonged to politicians.

Taxi parking on one of the nodal areas of Tirana, Karl Topia Square (Shershi Karl Topia).

New jeep "Cadillac" in one of the masters of tyranna.

As we know, the fall of the planned economy is undermining the development of wild (!) Capitalism, as it was in Eastern Europe in the 1990s. Albanian path to capitalism has not exceeded. In addition to legal corruption, theft bloomed in the country. In former times, theft punishabled by imprisonment, in the present times it is indirectly encouraged by a declared economic system. The most valuable part of state ownership was privatized into the stormy 1990s, the rest was stolen and handed over to scrap. So, for example, it happened with the Soviet submarines, which the population sawed and passed on scrap metal during the 1997 Civil War. Rails actively walked on scrap railway.

Trade area in the center of Tirana. Here are clothing and accessories of all global brands.

Mueslym Shyri shopping street (Rruga Myslym Shyri) in the center of Tirana.

ABOUT civil War 1997 should be told separately. After the fall of the communist regime of Albania, as all countries, decided to go along the path of democracy. Selected governments changed one after another. All of them distinguished the thirst for fast profit and corruption. In 1997, the patience of the people was broken when it turned out that two thirds of the country became victims of financial pyramids organized by several politicians. Desperate people came out with a protest to the streets. Aggressive protest acquired armed in nature, people began to throw the police with stones, loud up stores. Foreign governments urgently evacuated employees of their embassies. For several months, Albania plunged into chaos and confusion. Bardak lasted half a year. As a result of the events described, two thousand people died.

One of the abandoned factories in Tirana. Now there is a bus station of the southern direction on its territory.

During the mass riots to dissatisfaction with the deceived depositors of the MMM, the separatism of Yuzhan was added, which once again emphasized the differences in the economic and religious composition of the country. The mountainous south is developed to a lesser extent than the plain north, and because of the proximity to Greece, Orthodoxy dominates here, while the northern part of Albania is more industrialized and more Muslim. In principle, the religious factor was not decisive in this conflict, since in 45 years of communism, the people of Albania have forced religious affiliation. Although Albania is considered muslim countryThe people in it are no more believer than in any other Eastern European country.

In the courtyards of residential houses, "Magzines" of clothes, shoes are relatives ...


... and spare parts.

Albania is a multifaceted country, first of all, in a religious plan. It is impossible not to notice, walked along the Tiran. On the main square there is a mosque etham. Unlike many other temples, this mosque was not destroyed during the fight against religion.

Mosque etham.

Eshem Mosque is the most ancient building on Skanderbeg Square. The mosque is famous for the fact that it is ancient, and in Tirana there are quite a few ancient buildings, and the fact that the interior of the mosque is painted "based on Jerusalem".

Behind the trees there is a construction of a huge Orthodox church.

A huge Orthodox Cathedral in the spirit of modern architecture is built in the next quarter with a mosque. Construction was started in 2007. During my visit, the exterior decoration of the temple was almost completely completed.

The Orthodox Cathedral is erected in the spirit of modern architecture, which indicates the independence of the Albanian autocephalous Orthodox Church from more conservative Greek and Serbian churches.

At the distance of several streets from the Orthodox Cathedral is the Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul, opened in 2001. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with stained glass windows with images of Pope John Paul Second and Mother Teresa. A monument of Mother Teresa, the ethnic Albank of Catholic religion, born in Macedonia, was established before the Cathedral.

Monument to Mother Teresa is located near the Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul. In honor of Mother Teresa in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia called a huge number of streets, squares, schools and stadiums.

Tirana is the center of Bektashism - the liberal branch of Islam, founded in the 13th century. The followers of Bektashism are allowed to eat alcohol, and their women are given a more important role than in traditional Islam.

Dear shops in the center of Tirana.

In the center of Tirana, you can walk along the pedestrian street. Street Murat Stotani runs along the remains of the Tiran Fortress. Through the pitch in the gate you can see that in the courtyard of the fortress there is something very secret. The first pedestrian street tyrant is tiled, and LED-illuminators are built into the ground, smoothly changing color from blue to bright yellow.

Pedestrian street Murat Toptani in the center of Tirana.

Ruins of the Tirana Fortress.

In the park near the Tirana fortress, the buildings of the National Assembly and the Academy of Sciences of Albania are hidden. The latter was founded only in 1972.

In the quarter from the main square, the construction of the highest buildings of the Tirana - a residential building TID TOWER. Its height will reach 85 meters. The 25-storey building of the Belgian architectural bureau will be the first of the series of high-rise buildings of the capital, which must give Tirana modern face. As far as I understood, the construction is carried out literally on top of the grimle of Suleiman Pasha.

View of the mosque ethem and the TID Tower residential skyscraper under construction.

A very elite shopping complex is located on the first two floors of Twin Towers twin towers at the beginning of the Martyrs Boulevard (Bulevardi Domhmoret E Kombit).

The opposite bank of the river leads the Martyr Boulevard, ending with the Mother of Teresa's Mother, where the building of the Academy of Arts and the main building of the University of Tyrania are located. Boulevard himself leaves an ambiguous impression: the driving part here is paving paving slabs. In my opinion, this is not the most rational solution for the country where banditism is still a means of survival.

Boulevard martyrs.

Next to the most fashionable Quarter of Tirana and twin towers Twin Towers (in Tirana, it is customary to call the most elite residential buildings in English names), young people ride skate-beards in the park around the Mausoleum of the former Dictator Albania Enver Khoji. The mausoleum in the form of the pyramid was built on the draft daughter of the dictator, but soon after his death he was closed. In the 1990s and early 2000s, there was a disco in it, but now the building is abandoned.

Pyramid "Chief" of the Albanian people.

I finished a walk in the restaurant "Era" and together with the flow of noisy youth returned to the hotel. The next morning I was waiting for an early departure to the south, to the city of Saranda.

The European Union flag closes the facade of the building, in which the EU information center will soon open.

Albania must be considered in accordance with its history. In Europe, Albanians are clearly associated with a traffic accident, and the abundance of stolen "Mercedes" on the road causes an ironic smile. Before you form a regular prejudice in yourself, you must remember that poverty through which this people passed in the twentieth century. Greedy and envious views that I met at myself in the early morning on Skanderbeg Square, were not a manifestation of evil in my address, but only a statement of extremely distressed conditions in which you have to survive to modern Albanians.

Albania - colorful and unspoiled mass tourism country. Rest on the shore of two seas, Ionian and Adriatic, will cost 2 times cheaper of rest in Bulgaria, and emotions and impressions that you will not be equal to anything. Nature here "Otphotosplen" by heaven: citrus gardens and olive plantations, wild canyons and valleys, cut by multicolored lakes. The Ottoman Empire will remind himself in ancient fortress. And the cherry on the cake will be delicious food, low prices And welcoming Albanians.

about country

Albania or Shkiperia (Shqiperia) is a puzzle of southern Europe and the entire Balkan Peninsula.

The iron curtain collapsed back in 1985, together with the Dictature of Enver Khoji. The republic opened the door to foreigners. Get rid of the communist loop. Introduced entry glasses for tourists and entered the list of candidates for EU membership. But according to mysterious circumstances, Albania is still hiding in the shadow of popular neighbors - Montenegro, Greece, Northern Macedonia and controversial Kosovo.

And in vain. Here every foreigner is the desired guest, and not just passing the passing wanderer, who are millions.

Ask the way - you will spend your hand. Ride in the Albanian minibus - the question where to have dinner will disappear by itself. And this is a feeling of need, somewhere even father's care, invaluable.

What should be aware of Albania:

capital - Tirana;

total territory - 28,748 km. square;

the form of the Board is the Parliamentary Republic;

communication language - Albanian;

religion is a secular state, formally 60% of Muslims, about 30% of Christians;

monetary unit - LE (ALL);

in the summer of 2019 (from April 1 to October 31) russian tourists Could enter the country without a visa, the rest of the time - with Albanian or Schengen visas.

Administrative division Very simple. The Republic includes 12 kyharkov (regions). The largest of them are Tirana, Elbasan, Shkoder, Fieve, Durres and Corch.

Often Albania attribute not to her sins. So, for example, the state has never been part of Yugoslavia. Accordingly, never participated in the Balkan "Disassembly". And after the Second World War, it was not observed in any military conflict.

The myths about drug addilers dancing along the dilapidated streets of the Shkoder is also just myths. The crime rate is lower here than in Russia and any EU country.

Albanians - the people are simple, honest, friendly and leisurely. Religions are calm. Short shorts, deep neckline, loose hair - this is exactly what modern Albank looks like.

Despite the fact that the streets of the cities can not be called clean, the Albanians themselves are neat and clean. Even the elderly and completely poor grandfather is always in the ironed shirt, polished shoes, infined and combed.

Last changes: 18.10.2019

Climate

It is divided into two zones. In the mountains that cover 70% of the territory, the climate is continental. Summer wet (+ 18), snowy and frosty winter (- 10, - 15).

On the coast - the zone of the Mediterranean. Dry, hot summer with the average values \u200b\u200bof July + 25, + 30 degrees Celsius.

The official bathing season lasts from May to September. Unofficial - at the end of October. In Sarande, the thermometer column stably keeps + 18 even in November, and the water temperature during this period can reach + 20.

Winter warm and rainy. The temperature of the January air in the flight + 10 degrees, in a Saranda + 8.

Recent changes: 10/18/2019

What to see in Albania

Skipper begins in the capital. Even if you think that you can not find anything interesting here, go! Look at Tiran with your own eyes. Discover her heart. And she will certainly repay you with reciprocity.

Tirana

This is a dark-haired girl from the past in the embroidered dress with a bright ribbon instead of a belt.

The city in which the rhythm and ripple is slowed down. Province where the highest building has 25 floors. Where gray, boring houses are painted in all the colors of the rainbow, because so much to live.

Next to the square of the National Hero of Skanderbeg, find the Mosque Eu Bey Bay, built by the great-grandfather Pasha Suleiman, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and the Museum of Secret Observation (House of Leaves). "Inhale" is the first impression. Feel the proximity of such different cultures. Tickets to House Leaves are sold at the Museum Cass. The price of the entrance is 700 lek, children under 8 years old.

A 5-minute walk to another important landmark of the republic - Bunkart Bunker 2. Recently, the metropolitan stopping is trying to get rid of bunkers, and there are 700,000. So hurry, they will soon become a real wonder.

Capture sunny capital In memory at the viewing platform of the panoramic restaurant in Tid Tower. It is not difficult to find it. This is the highest structure in the city of non-standard outerness: the base is already than the top. When it bounces to take pictures, go down to the tomb of the Pasha Kaplan.

Lay the Kozhevnikov Bridge, the Palace of Congresses, Mother Teresa Square (by the way, Albanks by origin), the monument to Ismail Kamali, who is often confused with Lenin, and take a walk by national Park Dit on the outskirts.

Beaches and resorts

The beaches in Albania are not inferior to Croatian or Montenegrin, and rest on the Albanian Riviera (from the dear to Xamil) will cost many times cheaper.

Adriatic is a sandy coastline with a gentle climb and crystal clear water. The best beaches: Lying, Kavaya, Durres, Golem and St. John.

Verra is an atypical resort. Let's start with the fact that this is the first capital of independent Albania, so there is something to see for that and except the sea. Secondly, the water of the two seas are found here. Well, thirdly, sandy fluffiness alternates with stony bays - a variety ..

After debris - Romance! Rock cliffs and picturesque lagoons, water color water, white and fine sand, more advanced infrastructure, oysters priced, olive and citrus plantations. Top of the best: Lost village Dermi, Himara Beaches, Borsch, Paths, Livadia, Palace, Saranda and Xamil.

What else to do in Albania

See ancient sunken ships, submarine meadows of Posidonia, caves and reefs in the Caraburun-Sazan Maritime Reserve.

Arrange an unforgettable track in the Albanian Alps. Yes, imagine here there are own Alps - national Park Wallon. 8,000 hectares of visual grace are 20 km from Bayram-Tzurry town. You can only get here on the car, but it is worth it: the gorge, resembling fjords, authentic villages, mountain lakes.

Go to Berat - Treasure World Heritage UNESCO. On the embankment "Look" a thousand windows. Not far from the coast graze cows. Furious children. Raise the look higher is the fortress of the 12th century. And no, this is not a museum exhibit. It still lives ordinary people to this day.

Near Berat on the spies mountain range was once carved huge inscription ENVER in honor of the dictator. In 1992, the Communist Party was outlined, and the inscription changed to Never. Symbolically, sad, but inspiring. The dictatorship mode will never happen.

Continuing a list of UNESCO Gihirouse - Motherland Enver Khoji and Mecca of the Ottoman Empire. In the literal sense, the city (Giro) around (Castro) fortress. And to see in the fortress there is something: the tomb, artillery weapons, an Italian tank and the museum of war. Males on the input 200 All.

30 km from Saranda are the ancient ruins of the bundform, dating from 6 century BC. Ticket price 700 ALL.

Be sure to travel to Lake Ohrid (also under the protection of UNESCO). Deep blue azure spilled on the border with Northern Macedonia. Here you forget about time. Silence. Fantastic landscapes and you.

Be sure to ride on the way near the Logar Mountain Pass, try lamb in Yogurt, Soup Tarator, Shankdly, Stew Beef (Fairgez), Rakiya Vodka, Cognac Skanderbeg, Mussels, Lobster, Oysters, and, of course, coffee.

Recent changes: 10/18/2019

Communication and Internet in Albania

With the connection not so simple. Wi-Fi points are in hotels, internet cafes and large restaurants. On the beaches, in the mountains, distant settlements with this problem.

Provider only 2:

Albtelecom. Get acquainted with the tariffs and choose the place of purchase of a SIM card on the official website. 1 GB for 7 days will cost you 300 leeks, 2 GB for one month - 500 lek.

Flight with Aegean from Domodedovo with a change in Athens costs about 200 euros there and back. On the way you will spend 5 hours 20 minutes. From Sheremetyevo flies Airserbia with transfers in Belgrade or Athens. The price of a ticket from 100 to 150 € one way. From Vnukovo for 150 € In the direction of Tirana, it proposes to fly away the victory with self-docking in Italian Bergamo.

Between the Greek Island Corfu and Albanian Saranda runs the ferry. In the summer, they depart at 7:30, 11:45, 13:00 and 19:00. In the path of half an hour, and the fare is 1,500 rubles. You can buy on the DirectFerries website.

Recent changes: 10/18/2019

Public transport

In Albania public transport - Large headache of a foreigner. There are no systems and structures. Nobody holds schedules.

The bus, which departs 3 hours before the designated period - Albanian reality. But these are not all surprises. Transport can leave and come at all where it should. Therefore, immediately as they got into the right, go to the driver and check where he arrives and where it will go back.

Features of moving around the country:

• The spontaneous bus station in Tirana is looking for Skanderbeg Square.

  In major cities, focus on ticket sales tickets. It is here that the current and accurate schedule Movement.

  All intercity buses and minibuses go only until 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

  In the evening, removes not only a long-distance message, but also urban transport.

  Most tourists travel hitchhiking or leased cars.

As for the railway, it performs only a formal function. Most of the railway canvas today on reconstruction.

Trains rarely run, slowly (40 km / h) and according to them understandable rules. You can wait half a day and do not leave in the outlined direction.

All tickets are purchased either at the box office on the spot, or at the driver.

Conditional timetable of intercity transport.

Recent changes: 10/18/2019

Traveling around the country of Orlov on cars

If you decide to defamore Albania on a personal car, do not forget the driver's license, certificate of registration of TS and green insurance. The latter should cover not only Schengen countries, but also Albania.

Roads are free. The quality of the coating is highly dependent on the remoteness. The closer to Greece, the better.

Features of Albanian roads:

Place on the network gas stations, here gasoline is not bred with everything that burns.

Payment of fuel in cash. You can in euros, you can in the legs. Maps do not accept.

Little traffic lights, signs and pointers. Sometimes you go to the touch.

Low driving culture. Can stay in the middle of the road in the second row and start negotiations on Skype.

The turn signals do not include at all. Easily exceed the high-speed mode and pretend that there is no markup.

Violations that will not be forgiven: the intersection of double solid, drunk driving and unusted belts (passengers are fastened at mandatory).

Formally, the speed in the city should be no more than 40 km / h, but everyone goes 60 km / h.

You can rent a car directly at the airport or on the Rentalcars.com aggregator. The price of rental per day starts from 20 euros.

Recent changes: 10/18/2019

The country will gladly adopt the Spanish tradition to go to the Siesta. From the day and up to 4, 5 o'clock in the evening, many cafes, minor shops and leggings with souvenirs do not work.

Here credit card meaningless. Maps are relevant only in large hypermarkets and hotels.

Exchange currency is better in the bank. Albanians are very scattered. In metropolitan items can be lard to "calculate". And they do it not with evil. Just like it.

Albanian institutions work as they want. It also does not apply a strict schedule rule. If you pass something to repair and the master answers "Tomorrow", it does not mean tomorrow. Tomorrow it can happen in two days, a week or two.

The fare in the local shuttle bus will cost about 300 all. If you found that you can't pay for the passage, tell me about this to the driver. And do not rush to leave the car. It is quite possible to be brought free of charge, on the kindness of spiritual.

Find a taxi is easy to yellow color. Formally taxi drivers go to the meter. But nobody canceled the bargain. The passage will fall in price, it is worth just start bargaining.

Get acquainted with Albanian culture and traditions easier, communicating with the locals. All pair of phrases will allow you to instantly position any person to yourself:

Drieve in contacts 112 Emergency Aid, 127 Ambulance, 128 Firefighters, 129 Police, 126 Road Patrol Service.

Recent changes: 10/18/2019