Albania’s hidden treasures: A journey through ancient ruins and living traditions
A travel group recently explored Albania’s rich history and culture across several key destinations. Their journey covered ancient ruins, religious sites, and traditional crafts, ending in the capital, Tirana. Along the way, they experienced the country’s diverse heritage and growing tourism scene.
The trip began in Berat, a UNESCO-listed city known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows.' Visitors admired 15th-century mosques and Byzantine Orthodox churches, many featuring frescoes by the renowned painter Onufri. Later, they sampled local wines at Pupa Winery, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.
In Gjirokastër, the group toured a weapons museum and saw the remains of a U.S. Air Force Lockheed T-33, a relic of Cold War tensions. They then travelled to Butrint, an ancient Roman ruin, before enjoying fresh seafood in the coastal city of Saranda, a hub for Mediterranean tourism. The journey also included a stop in Shkodër, where travellers crafted Venetian-style papier-mâché masks, a traditional local art. Their final destination was Tirana, home to the Bektashi World Headquarters, the global centre of the Bektashi Order since 2016. Albania, a country of 1.5 million, has a strong tradition of religious freedom and is actively pursuing EU membership.
The trip highlighted Albania’s mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From Enver Hoxha’s 160,000 bunkers to thriving coastal tourism, the country offers a unique blend of past and present. With a million Albanians working abroad, tourism continues to play a key role in its economy.
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