My Personal Guide On The Top 8 Best Landmarks in Albania

Albania is one of the most gorgeous countries to visit in the world. Some of the best landmarks in Albania include several historical sites, castles, and UNESCO-protected heritage sites.

As an explorer, it is important to get lost exploring new ruins, caves, attractions and landmarks. It helps you connect with Albania’s cultural heritage, local music, art, and livelihood.

If you want to know about the most famous sites and landmarks in Albania, you have come to the right place! I will guide you through the top 10 most desired places to visit in the country!

Key Takeaways

• Albania is home to some of the best historical landmarks and attractions residents and tourists can explore.
• Among those, important castles include the Krujë Castle, Gjirokastër Castle, Kalaja e Lëkurësit, and Durrës Castle.
• Eye-candy attractions include the Syri I Kaltër or the Blue Eye.
• The Pyramid of Tirana and Skanderbeg Square serve as popular tourist attractions, hosting various cultural events and local festivals.

1) Krujë Castle

The Krujë Castle, or Kalaja e Krujës, is one of the most important historical landmarks in Albania. It holds great significance in the country’s history, as it is centred around Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The resistance was led by the national hero; Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg.

One of my favourite facts about the castle is that it is situated at an elevation of 1,827 feet.

Additionally, there are several museums within the castle. The National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu” (built in the 1980s), and the Ethnographic Museum.

• Location: Rruga Kala, Krujë, Albania
• Opening Hours: 24/7

2) Syri i Kaltër

The Blue Eye, or the Syri i Kaltër, is an interesting natural phenomenon occurring in southern Albania, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania. The phenomenon is also referred to as the springs of Bistricë. It spans 25 km, ending at the Ionian Sea, towards the south of Saranda.

And if you are planning to travel to Albania, it is best to reach via car by crossing the Saranda-Gjirokastër road.

• Location: Sarandë SHA22, Saranda 9701, Albania
• Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)

3) Gjirokastër Castle

The Gjirokastër Castle is a fortress located in the city of Gjirokastër, situated at an astonishing 1,102 feet in height. It’s home to a military museum containing relics of the Communist resistance carried out against German occupation. While visiting the castle was a bit challenging, it was really interesting to see its five towers and learn more about its history. There is also a clock tower, a cistern, and a stage that hosts the National Folk Festival at times.

• Location: Rruga “Elvia Celebi”, Gjirokastra, Albania
• Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)

You may also want to check out the top 10 things to do in Gjirokastër.

4) Skandërbeg Square

Travelling to Tirana? Don’t forget to detour to visit Skanderbeg Square, the main plaza of the city. Covering an area of 40,000 sqm, the Skanderbeg Monument is the square’s main attraction.

The square features various important buildings. For instance, the Bank of Albania, National Opera, City Hall, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Economy, Ethem Bay Mosque and Palace of Culture.

• Location: Plaza Tirana, Sheshi Skënder Beu, Tirana 1001, Albania
• Opening Hours: 24/7

5) Kalaja e Lëkurësit

Kalaja E Lëkurësit, or The Leather Castle, is one of the best landmarks in Albania. It is strategically located on a hill point that overlooks the entire city of Saranda, providing a picturesque view ahead.

Visitors can also view the road that directly leads to Butrint and the panoramic view of the Ksamil Islands here.

Want to know something interesting about the castle? It once supported the age-old village Lëkurës.

Want to take on the challenge of climbing it? Leave the main road located on the Sixth Neck and climb down the hill on the town’s opposite side.

• Location: Saranda, Albania
• Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)

6) Mesi Bridge

How well do you know Albania? Well, if you have visited the Mesi Bridge, one of the most important landmarks in Albania, pat yourself on the back! The Mesi Bridge, or Ura e Mesit, is an important bridge located in Mes, approximately 5 km northeast of Shkodër.

The monument represents the Postribe culture. For visitors, it is important to note that the bridge’s architecture features stone plates and slick stones. The bridge was built during the 18th century by a local Ottoman Pasha, Kara Mahmud Bushati.

The Mesi Bridge stretches an astonishing 354 feet and is 11 feet wide, marking its position as one of the longest Ottoman bridges in Albania.

• Location: Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012, Albania

7) Pyramid of Tirana

Moving on, I want to introduce another famous attraction in Albania. Opening as a museum in 1988, it became a crucial business conference centre in 1991 after Communism collapsed. Moreover, it was also used as a NATO base at one point in time.

If you plan on visiting the Pyramid of Tirana, it is best to know about its cultural history and importance. For instance, the pyramid was previously known as “Enver Hoxha Museum.” Furthermore, it was used as a makeshift conference centre and exhibition venue for a while.

It was officially opened to the public in 2023. 

• Location: Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit 5, Tirana, Albania
• Opening Hours: 24/7

8) Durrës Castle

Need another interesting place to visit in Albania? The Durrës Castle should be the next destination on your Albanian itinerary. Fortifying the old city of Durrës, the castle is enclosed by city walls dating back to the 5th century.

While it was kept closed for the majority of history, in 2022, it was announced that the castle would begin its restoration work. The project aimed to improve the tower’s infrastructure while preserving its cultural history.

• Location: Durrës, Albania
• Opening Hours: 24/7

Conclusion

Albania is a city full of wonders. It features a variety of historical attractions, such as castles, bridges, pyramids, and town squares fit for their specific purposes. Moreover, landmarks like Gjirokastër Castle hold cultural events like the National Folk Festival.

My personal favourite has to be Syri I Kaltër, as its mesmerising blue waters capture anyone’s attention. Moreso, these places are a must-visit during autumn and winter as the weather tends to cool down, providing a beautiful foggy backdrop for your photos.

While you are visiting, don’t forget to visit these landmarks in Albania! That’s about it from my side; let me know what you think about these places in the comments!