Albania’s Changing Capital
Western Albania, Albania
Tirana is not only the nation’s capital and most populated city in Albania but also the most important political and economic centre in the country. Over the last few years Tirana has seen substantial changes in its appearance.
The dull communist-style buildings have been transformed through the ingenuous idea of painting their facades in bright colors and abstract patterns, and now contrast with modern new-build architectural styles.
Background
Tirana is a relatively new city founded in 1614 by Sulejman Pasha of Mulleti. The city began to grow at the beginning of the 18th century, but it remained an unimportant town until it was proclaimed Albania’s capital in 1920. This was mainly due to its geographical position - more or less in the middle of the country - on the fault-line between the northern Ghegs and the southern Tosks.
It wasn’t until the late 1920’s, when Italian influence took a hold, that the centre of the city took the appearance of a capital city. Italian planners and architects built the main square named after the national hero Skanderbeg.
Relaxing
An area called “Blloku” situated in the middle of tree-lined boulevards and parkland (where the villas of the communist elite used to be), has rapidly developed to become the hotspot of nightlife in the capital with trendy bars, pubs, cafes and nightclubs.