Tirana

The area occupied by Tirana has been populated since Paleolithic times dating back 10,000 to 30,000 years ago as suggested by evidence from tools found near Mount Dajt's quarry and in Pellumba Cave. The oldest discovery was a mosaic, dating back to the 3-rd century A.D., with several other remains found near a medieval temple at Shengjin Fountain.

On 8 February 1920, the Congress of Lushnjë proclaimed Tirana as the temporary capital of Albania which had acquired independence in 1912. The city retained that status permanently on 31 December 1925. The first regulatory city plan was compiled in 1923 by Austrian architects. The center of Tirana was the project of Florestano de Fausto and Armando Brasini, well known architects of the Benito Mussolini period in Italy.

The main cultural institutions of Tirana are the National Theater, the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, and the National Arts Gallery (Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve). Performances of renown world composers are regularly performed by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Albanian Radio and Television. The city serves as a regular venue for the Tirana Biennale, Tirana Jazz Festival, Summer Day, White Night on 28 November, Rally Albania, Netet e Klipit Shqiptar, and Tirana Fashion Week. Recently, Tirana has been redesigning its identity to a more Mediterranean city full of cafes and a vibrant nightlife.

Tirana is trying to improve its tourism potential by reconstructing important landmarks. The town is home to the following historical sites:

• Tirana Castle (Kalaja e Tiranës), the historical core of the capital around Murat Toptani Street
  
• Clock Tower of Tirana (Kulla e Sahatit) and the nearby Museum of  Clock Towers of Albania (Muzeu i Oreve)
  
• Et'hem Bey Mosque (Xhamia e Tiranës)
  
• Tabak Bridge (Ura e Tabakëve)
  
• National Historic Museum
  
• Skanderbeg Square as a monumental ensemble
  
• Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, a panoramic avenue built by the Italians
  
• Blloku, the nightlife area of the capital
  
• Dajti Mountain, overlooking the city and accessible via cable car
  
• Prezë Castle (Kalaja e Prezës)
  
• Petrelë Castle (Kalaja e Petrelës)
  
• Tirana Mosaic
  
• Kapllan Pasha's Grave (Varri i Kapllan Pashës)
  
• Shengjin Fountain Church (Kisha e Kroit të Shëngjinit)
  
• Big Park on the Artificial Lake
  
• Bektashi Temples and Global Centre
  
• Sali Shijaku Traditional House

Tirana is home to 5 well-preserved traditional houses (museum-houses), 56 cultural monuments, 8 public libraries, and the National Library of Albania (Biblioteka Kombëtare).