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This apartment was the residence of Kadare, an important writer, from 1974 to 1989, and his work place. It was designed by architect Maks Velo in 1972, was declared category II Culture Monument in 2015. The modernist and cubist building was called at that time "the palace with cubes", and represents the aspiration of Albanian architecture to be in step with time and in particular with the West. The Kadare Studio House will foster a deeper understanding of Albanian history during the dictatorship. It shows original documents, objects, books and furniture.
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Biblioteka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë
The library holds over a million books and is known for its ancient collections.
Teqja e Sheh Dyrrit
This is a teqe (teqe or cemevi is a Turkish meeting house for communal worship service) in Tirana. Back in the day it was also the home of a local sheikh. It's listed as a cultural monument of Albania, however it's private property and can likely only be seen from the outside.
Xhamia e Et'hem Beut
Construction of this mosque took about 28 years and finished in 1821. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Albania with very interesting decorations and artwork within it. Reopened in 2021 after full restoration.
Albanian: Muzeu Historik Kombëtar
The largest museum in Albania holds many of the country's archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg's massive sword (how he held it, rode his horse and fought at the same time, is a mystery). The lighting might be poor but the excellent collection is almost entirely signed in English and takes you chronologically from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era. The collection of statues, mosaics and columns from Greek and Roman times is breathtaking.
Skanderbeg Square
Tirana's city centre. A statue of Albanian hero Skanderbeg stands in the square with the Albanian flag on the side. Renovations have made the square pedestrians and public transportation friendly. Government buildings featuring Italian architecture and some structures outlined below are all right off this square.
Tyrbja e Kapllan Pashës
Built in 1820, originally next to a mosque which was destroyed during WWII. Kapllan Pasha was an Ottoman ruler of Tirana who was buried here, but his remains were later moved to Istanbul.