The essential Tourist Guide The Municipality of Shkodra The Municipality of Shkodra BASHKIA SHKODËR
The Municipality of Shkodra
BASHKIA SHKODËR
SHALË
PULT SHOSH
SHKODËR POSTRIBE RRETHINAT
GUR I ZI
ANA E MALIT BERDICE DAJÇ
VELIPOJE
CONTENT Castle of Rozafa
Arriving in Shkodra................................................................................................................6-7 Climate & Geographic Position.................................................................................................8
Shkodra__________________________________________10 uShkodra, historical capital of Albania. His development................................12-17 uCulture and tradition..........................................................................................18-23 What to see...................................................................................................................... ........24 u The Historic centre of the city................................................................................25-28 u Places of worship..................................................................................................29-31 u Museums................................................................................................................32-36 u Culture & events......................................................................................................37-38 u Statutes & monuments...........................................................................................39-41 u Places of interest....................................................................................................43-44 u Other placesof interest around the city Shkodra..................................................45-48 Where to stay....................................................................................................................49-51 Where to eat.......................................................................................................................52-54 Night life..................................................................................................................................55 Getting there and away (Transport)..............................................................................56-57 Tourist agency...................................................................................................................58-59 Shopping..................................................................................................................................60
Velipoja_________________________________________62-69 Where to stay....................................................................................................................70-71 Where to eat...........................................................................................................................72 Entertainment & activities.......................................................................................................73
Thethi___________________________________________74-81 Where to stay...................................................................................................................82-83 Where to eat...........................................................................................................................84 Excursions, sport & entertainment.........................................................................................85
Daily trip_________________________________________86-89 Suggested itineraries________________________________90-94 Calendar of event___________________________________95-99
The Municipality of Shkodra
BASHKIA SHKODËR
Photo: Nenshati
Voltana ADEMI
Mayor of Shkodra Dear visitor, Welcome to glamorous Shkodra, a place which grows and develops by every passing day... Being the Mayor of Shkodra Municipality, it is my honour and privilege to invite you to visit and explore this beautiful area, as one of the most abounding and variegated destinations of Albania. Once you set your foot in Shkodra, it will impress you with the diversity of its beauty, from up in the Alps down to Velipoja Beach. As portrayed by the poet “... Shkodra, the lover of blue sky... dreamy lake, in which, in the limpid mornings, washes its shadow …”, the city will welcome you along in its 2400 years history, architecture, castle, lake, rivers and its lovely and friendly people. In the heart of the Albanian Alps, you will find Theth, the crown’s diamond of tourism in Shkodra. The breathtaking view, freshwater springs, natural and cultural monuments, exquisite tastes and distinctive hospitality of highlanders will offer you unforgettable moments. The heavenly Velipoja beach, with 14 km coastline, lagoons, forests and a variety of flora and fauna triggers you to return to this rare pearl of Adriatic. The diversity of attractions will ample you with great experiences and enjoyment that will rest for a long time in your memories, so, it is my pleasure to invite you to visit, explore, and feel Shkodra. Welcome!
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ARRIVING IN S H K O D R A
By air International Airport “Golubovci” (Podgorica-Montenegro) - 60 km International Airport “Mother Tereza (Tirana-Albania) - 82 km Tivat Airport (Montenegro) - 110 km International airport “Cilipi” (Dubrovnik-Croatia) - 160 km International airport “Adem Jashari” (Pristina- Kosovo) - 250 km International airport “Alexander the Great” (Skopje- Macedonia) - 316 km
By sea Sea port of Bar (Montenegro)- 49 km Sea port of Shengjin- 45 km Sea port of Durres- 107 km Sea port of Vlore- 225 km Sea port of Saranda- 357 km
By road Shkodra shares the border with Montenegro through 3 points of the border: Hani i Hotit/ Bozhaj – Shkodra: 35 km; Murriqan/Sukobin – Shkodra: 16 km; Vermosh/Guci- Shkodra: 100 km From Kosovo: Morine- Shkodra: 166 km; From Macedonia: Qafe Thana- Shkoder is 198 km From Greece: Kakavija- Shkoder is 327 km.
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ARRIVING IN S H K O D R A
Albania’s main cities distances from Shkodra (km) and journey times Lezha- 35 km, 40 min Kruja- 82 km, 1 h 30 min Tirana- 95 km, 1h 30 min Durres- 105 km, 1 h 40 min Vlora- 223 km, 3 h Berat 192 km, 2h 55 min Pogradec 228 km, 4 h Korça, 267 km, 4h 45 min Gjirokastra 295 km, 4 h 30 min Saranda 350 km, 5 h 40 min
SHKODRA CLIMATE & GEOGRAPHIC POSITION
8 Climate
Shkodra has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. In the highlands, snow can fall from November until March; mountain areas are very cold at this time of year; the average yearly temperature varies from 14.5°C to 16.8°C. The temperature in January ranges from 1.4°C to 9.8 °C; in August, from 19.3 °C to 32.4 °C. The average yearly rainfall is about 1,700 millimeters, which makes the area one of the wettest in Europe. Due to lots of sunny days (approximately 250 per year), Shkodra can be visited during all seasons depending on type of activities people are interested in.
Geographic position Municipality of Shkodra is the centre of the region bearing the same name with a surface area of 872.71 km2. It borders the municipality of Malesia e Madhe to the north, municipality of Tropoje to the east, municipality of Vau i Dejes and Lezha to the south and Adriatic Sea and Montenegro to the west. The present municipality extends from the Albanian Alps to the Adriatic Sea and has 11 administrative units: Shkodër, Ana e Malit, Bërdicë, Dajç, Guri i Zi, Postribë, Pult, Rrethinat, Shalë, Shosh dhe Velipojë. The seat of
the municipality is the city of Shkodra. It has 93 villages in total, under its administrations. Total population of the municipality of Shkodra is 204954 inhabitants. Shkodra, lies close to the Shkodra Lake, the largest one in the Balkans with a total surface area of 370 km2. The Drin, Buna and Kiri rivers run very close to it. The Drini River, the longest in the country (with a total length of 335 km of which 285 km flows within Albania) joins the Buna River of which sources are found in Lake Shkodra. The Buna River was the only navigable river in Albania until early last century. With the passing of time, however, the river bed rose as a result of the sediments contributed by the Drin & Kir Rivers. In the vicinity of the present-day Albanian- Montenegrin border, both of them flow into the Adriatic Sea. Kir, a torrential river in spring and autumn is also one of the major tributaries of the Drin River, Shkodra and its lowlands are surrounded by a number of mountains: The highest peak is Maja e Jezercës (2694m). Cukal Mountain (1722m), Maranaj (1576m), part of the Albanian Alps; Tarabosh (700m) which runs along the western shore of Lake Shkodra and is a natural shield that protects the city from sea winds. The Adriatic Sea lies 30 km on the west from the centre of Shkodra with the villages of Velipoja (8 km sandy beach long) and Rrjoll (6 km sandy beach long).
99 Basic Data Founded in the 4 B.C Shkodra: The capital of Illyrian Kingdom of Ardianes, whose last king was the legendary Gentius. Centre of the Region: Shkodra Population of Municipality: 204954 inhabitants Administrative units: 11- Shkodër, Ana e Malit, Bërdicë, Dajç, Guri i Zi, Postribë, Pult, Rrethinat, Shalë, Shosh dhe Velipojë. City of Shkodra: 114085 inhabitants Name of inhabitants: Shkodran Area Code: +355(0)222 Language: Gegh dialect of Albanian Foreign spoken languages: English; Italian; French; German; Religion: Shkodra is the symbol of religion harmony: Three religions coexist side by side in Shkodra. It is the cente of Roman Catholicism of Albania, the seat of a Grand Mufti of the Muslims (almost all of them Sunni). The Orthodox Christians, who form the third group, are much less in number. Economy divided by sectors at regional level: Sector % Activity Agriculture 35 Wheat, maize, vegetable garden, potatoes, pasture, olives Industry 14 Textile-clothes, footwear, wood, mechanist Building 10 Building materials, mechanical carpentry Services 41 Restaurant, transport-communication, trading, distribution networks The water system covers 20.45% of the entire territory of the municipality of Shkodra. The coastal line: 14 km long and 200 m wide with sandy beaches. Rivers: bDrini River- the longest in the country (335 km of which 285 km flows within Albania); Buna River (41 km) - the only navigable river in Albania; bKiri river, which flows south of the north Albanian Alps and enters a distributary of the Drin just below Shkodra; bShala River springs from Albanian Alps (37 km) Lakes: Shkodra Lake - the largest lake of Balkan Peninsula (370 km2, from which 142 km2 belongs to Albania) The highest peak: Maja e Jezerces (2694 m) National Parks: Thethi National Park (2630 Ha)
There, before the tribes You were with your milk in a fissure in the rock And with your feet in salt water They gave you one name: Shkodra. And they called you a crowned city. ( Martin Camaj)
SHKODRA Photo: Nenshati
Shkodra is the most important urban center of Northern Albania, renowned in the entire country for its rich cultural traditions. It is one of the largest cities in Albania, with a population of 114085 inhabitants. Shkodra has a very favorable geographic position and can be considered as an entry port both to the grandiose Albanian Alps on one hand, and to the sandy beach of Velipoja on the Adriatic, on the other.
SHKODRA HISTORY
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Shkodra, Albania’s Historical Capital. History of his development. Antiquity Shkodra is one of the oldest cities in Albania with 2500 years of history. It seems the city existed since beginning of the time. The people of Shkodra are indigenous and autochthonous. The name itself has a meaning in the Albanian language. The name “Shkodra” is derived from “Shko-drin” which means “Go Drin” or “Drin goes.” The beginnings of urban life in Shkodra date back to the 5th-6th centuries BC. During this time, the walls encircling the city were fortified. The first walls were built with cyclopean stones with no mortars. The fortress of Rozafa stands as the symbol of fortified urban settlements of the region and testifies the former glory of these lands. It is very hard to reveal the true story behind the walls of this castle. The legend is about an unfortunate woman, called Rozafa, who was chosen to be walled up in the castle. The three brothers sacrificed one of their wives, so the walls would stand. She accepted being immured on condition that they must leave her right breast exposed to feed her newborn son. For centuries, the people of Shkodra believed that in the walls of the castle is the “lived body” of a mother. The story was told from generation to generation (see: Rozafa castle for more information). Shkodra has a long history dating back not only in prehistoric time, but since the creation of it. It is believed that the city existed since the neolith time. Some artifacts date since the 4th century BC. Archeological excavations have shown that the city was founded around the 4th century BC. In the Thethi Mountain, the archeological materials found, date since 2000 BC. Nevertheless, ancient drawings on the walls of some caves indicate life activities for more than 5000 years. In ancient time, Illyrians lived in Shkodra. The region was ruled by Illyrian tribe Labeates and Ardianes. The Illyrianology is considered the oldest discipline to study not only the ancient man, but also the start of the life. Not only Shkodra, but the entire Balkan Peninsula was inhabited by a native people who used same language, the Illyrian language or the
Albanian language. The Illyrians left behind artifact representing an ancient mystery of intelligent civilization. The creation of a family, for first time, started in ancient Illyria where man and woman fell in love and united for the rest of their lives. The family had children, and they looked and took care. During this time, the city saw economic growth, proof of which are the first coins minted in the city in 230 BC. In 181 BC, Shkodra became the Capital of Illyrian Empire, under the Illyrian King Gentius, successor to Agron. In the year 168 BC, the city was attacked and occupied by the Romans. Following the occupation of Shkodra by Romans, the Illyrian Kingdom ceased to exist. It was initially remade into a community centre of tribe of Labeates and starting from 42 AD into a Roman colony whose inhabitants had the status of the Roman citizens with all rights and obligations. In 395 BC, following the split of the Roman Empire, Shkodra became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) and the capital of the Praevalitana Province, which included Southern Dalmatia and Northern Albania.
SHKODRA HISTORY
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Middle ages The dawn of the middle Ages saw waves of Slavs arriving and advancing into the Balkans. The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius (610641) gave the Serbs a territory in this region during the first half of the 7th century, included the Shkodra region as well. Shkodra did not accept the Slav occupation before 1040. In the 10th – 11th centuries AD, Shkodra fell from the hands of Bulgarian princes back to Byzantine Empire, until its conquest in 1040 by Zupan- prince of Zeta, who made the city capital of his state. In the 12th century, the city came again under the Byzantine Empire for a brief period of time. Then it fell again into Slavic hands, this time under the Serbian Principality of Rascia. Shkodra continued to be ruled by the Serbs untill 1360, when it featured as one of the many possessions amassed following the death of Stefan Dusan of Serbia. During the fall of the Serbian Empire (14th century), Shkodra was taken by the Balšić family who surrendered the city to Venice in 1396, in order to form protection zone from the Ottoman Empire. During Venetian rule the city adopted the Statutes of Scutari, a civic law written in Venetian, which also contained Albanian elements such as Besa and Gjakmarrja. Shkodra was
The statutes of Shkodra The statutes of Shkodra are a compendium of laws and legal norms which regulated the town’s life and affairs from 1330s when they were first written till 1479, the year when the town fell in the hands of Ottoman Turks. The statutes can be regarded as a sort of constitution, comprising provisions of public, criminal and civil law. They are a great source of information about the organization and functioning of one of the most important urban centers in medieval Albania. It explains how the various bodies of the commune were elected. In addition the Statutes set out the rules whereby the relations between the commune of Shkodra and neighborhood governments were regulated (e.g. Venetian Republic or kingdom of Serbia), but also established the
one of the few Albanian cities of that age which were governed under statutes which served the purpose of a basic constitution. Venetians built the St. Stephen’s Church (later converted in the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque by the Turks) and the Rozafa Castle. In 1478-79 Mehmed the conqueror laid siege on Shkodra. In 1479 the city fell to the Ottomans and the defenders of the citadel immigrated to Venice, whereas many Albanians from the region retreated into the mountains. Shkodra then became a seat of the newly established Ottoman Sandjak, the Sandjak of Shkodra.
norms of what we know as civicco-existence, by legally defining and protected all transactions and relations in an importantcity like Shkodra. The Statutes of Shkodra were discovered in 1997 in Correr Museum by Prof. Lucia Nadin from Venice and published in 2002 in Italy.
SHKODRA HISTORY
14 Ottoman Period From 1396 through 1479, when Shkodra was ultimately taken by the Ottomans, Shkodra remained under the Venetian rule. The Venetians placed the city at the core of a defense system, which was designed to curb the Ottomans surge and delay as much as possible their landing on the Adriatic shores. This defense system build around Shkodra, represented an administrative unit, which in documents is referred as the Venetian Arberia”. Mehmet Pasha, a most vicious general that history has known, was in command of the Ottoman hordes. He led the troops to the victory after a year and eleven months and on 24 April 1479 took control of the castlesymbol of political power, which remained under the rule of Ottomans until 1913. Shkodra was a major city under Ottoman rule in Southeast Europe. It retained its importance up until the end of the empire’s rule in the Balkans in the early 20th century. This is due to its geo-strategic position that connects it directly with the Adriatic and with the Italian ports, but also with land-routes to the other important Ottoman centre, namely Prizren. The city was an important meeting place of diverse cultures from other parts of the Empire, as well as influences coming westwards, by Italian merchants. It was a centre of Islam in the region, producing many ulema, poets and administrators, particularly from the Bushati family. In the 18th century Shkodra became the capital of the Pashallik ruled by the Bushati family. In 1757 Mehmet Bey Bushati was recognized as chief administrator of the Sandjak of Shkodra, conferring the title of Pasha on him. During the rule of Bushati family (1757 to 1831) Shkodra was an important trade center in for the entire Balkan Peninsula. The first consular offices opened here in 1718 and functioned along with the diplomatic representative of Venice, who had been there on a constant basis. Later on, the Chamber of Commerce was established. In the 19th century the city saw a rapid economic growth and became the centre of a villayet with a huge bazaar featuring 80 trades and crafts. Six European powers had established their consular offices in the city. In 1867, it became the seat of the Catholic Bishopric. It was also home to other offices and institutions, including the court house, post-office and customs house.
The Pashalik of Shkodra In the Sandjak of Shkodra rivalries were played out between powerful families like the Begollis from Peja and Caushollis and Bushatlies from Shkodra. In 1757, Mehmet Bey Bushati managed to wring out the title “Pasha” for himself from the Sultan and was subsequently appointed governator of the Sandjak of Shkodra. His appointed inaugurated the start of the 75 year long uninterrupted rule of Bushatis over the Sandjak of Shkodra and the establishment of a Pashalik bearing their name. In 1775, the Sublime Porte had eliminated Mehmet Pasha by poisoning him. His replacement was Mahmut Pasha, one of his sons, who set himself the main objective of progressively expanding the borders of the Pashalik and gradually reducing his independence on the central Ottoman government. He scored a number of important victories in his campaign to expand and strengthen the Pashalik, which won him the epithet “Kara” (dark, terrifying) and became forever associated with his name. He was killed in 1796 in an attack against Montenegro.
The first consular offices opened here in 1718 and functioned along with the diplomatic representative of Venice, who had been there on a constant basis. Later on, the Chamber of Commerce was established. In the 19th century the city saw a rapid economic growth and became the centre of a villayet with a huge bazaar featuring 80 trades and crafts. Six European powers had established their consular offices in the city. In 1867, it became the seat of the Catholic Bishopric. It was also home to other offices and institutions, including the court house, post-office and customs house.
SHKODRA HISTORY The Old Bazaar
Shkodra had its own market place from early on in the middle ages. It is mentioned in the Statutes of Shkodra of early fourteen century under the name favolete- a meeting place; a place of trade. Shkodra’s Old Bazaar of the Ottoman period was located to the northeast of the Rozafa Castle. Close to the town and with the easy links to the river docks, it is possible that the market was rebuilt exactly at the same place where the former market of the Venetian period used to be. The fast development of the town during the eighteenth century made the Shkodra Bazaar one of the best known market places in the Balkans. Up to 1870s it played an important role as a major centre of crafts and trade with up to 2500 shops, workshops and ateliers.The Bazaar was built according to a well thought design with an elaborate network of streets and cobble stone alleys, a system of deep sewage canals which discharged their waters into the Buna. The largest architectural component of the Bazaar was Bezisten, right in the centre built in 1807 by Ibrahim Pasha Bushati, Vizier of Shkodra. The bazaar of Shkodra was the focal centre of the town’s economic and social activity turning it into a veritable metropolis of skilled craftsmen and world-travelled merchants, well known in the region and beyond.
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SHKODRA HISTORY
16 Modern Time Shkodra played an important role during the League of Prizren, the Albanian liberation movement. The people of Shkodra participated in battles to protect Albanian land. The branch of the League of Prizren for Shkodra, fought for the protection of Plav, Gusinje, Hoti, and Gruda, and the war for the protection of Ulcinj. The Bushati Library, built during the 1840s, served as a center for the League of Prizren’s branch for Shkodra. The first Albanian newspapers and publications printed in Albania came out of the printing press of Shkodra. The Marubi family of photographers began working in Shkodra, which left behind over 150,000 negatives from the period of the Albanian liberation movement, the rise of the Albanian flag in Vlorë, and life in Albanian towns during the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. During the Balkan Wars, Shkodra went from one occupation to another, when the Ottomans were defeated by the Kingdom of Montenegro. The Ottoman forces led by Hasan Riza Pasha and Esad Pasha had resisted for seven months the surrounding of the town by Montenegrin forces and their Serbian allies. During World War I, Montenegrin forces again occupied Shkodra on June 27, 1915. In January 1916, Shkodra was taken over by Austria-Hungary and was the center of the zone of their occupation. When the war ended on 11 November 1918, French forces occupied Shkodra as well as other regions with sizable Albanian populations. After World War I, the international military administration of Albania was temporarily located in Shkodra, and in March 1920, Shkodra was put under the administration of the national government of Tirana. In the second half of 1920, Shkodra resisted another threat, the military intervention of the forces of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Shkodra was the center of democratic movements of the years 1921–1924. The democratic opposition won the majority of votes for the Constitutional Assembly, and on May 31, 1924, the democratic forces took over the town and from Shkodra headed to Tirana. From 1924 to 1939, Shkodra had a slow industrial development; small factories that
produced food, textile, and cement were opened. From 43 of such in 1924, the number rose to 70 in 1938 Shkodra was the seat of a Catholic archbishopric and had a number of religious schools. The first laic school was opened here in 1913, and the State Gymnasium was opened in 1922. It was the center of many cultural associations. In sports Shkodra was the first city in Albania to constitute a sports association, the “Vllaznia” (brotherhood). Vllaznia is the oldest sport club in Albania. Between 1924 and 1939, Shkodra experienced a relatively industrial growth, traces of which are seen in the architecture of the town houses and other buildings. During the years of the Second World War, Shkodra was a quit city, wherein trade was the main pursuit and military passions were not deeply grounded. This comes out in the weak communism movement, as compared to the rest of Albania, even though one of the first communist groups of the country was formed and operated as early 1934 here. After September 1943 a large German garrison was stationed in Shkodra to protect the roads linking Albania and Greece to the rest of Europe. The Germans were considered to be passing in Shkodra and the population remained indifferent to them. A complicated situation ensued in the city, because in addition to the communist guerrilla groups operating there at the end of 1944, a significant number of Albanian anti communist nationalists and their armed supporters were also based in Shkodra with the German garrison being still there. Until 1990, 29 November 1944 was considered the Liberation Day; a date still contested by political parties, considering it, the start of the communist dictatorship. Emerged relatively intact from the war, during the communism period, Shkodra was the most persecuted city of Albania. This started with the close-down of the religious cultural institutions by early 1945 and the annihilation of the city’s economic basis. Indicative of this were the extraordinary taxes levied on people for the profits made during the war and the seizure of the rich urbanities immovable property, with the extreme effort being made to change it into an industrial city.
SHKODRA HISTORY
17 cause of their “bad biography”. The people of Shkodra were among the first to give out the signal of an anti- communist movement in the country. Towards the end of 1990 the first Catholic and Muslim institutions reopened in Shkodra after their shut-down across Albania in 1967. It was here that the first Catholic mass was held after religion was banned. In 1991, four demonstrators, now proclaimed heroes of democracy, were killed by the police and tens of others were injured as they were protesting against election frauds in the first pluralist elections in the country.
Entrenchment of the communist regime in Shkodra spurred a popular reaction. The uprising at Koplik and Postriba in 1945 and 1946 are the earliest anti- communist uprising registered in the East European countries. After 1944, Shkodra was made subject to the cruel communist terror. The richest and intellectual households in Shkodra, in particular became the target of assaults. The clergy of the three religions was maltreated. Many of families suffered internment to other parts of the country, imprisoned, and suffered be-
ocide nist Gen Commu 4-1992 4 9 dra (1 in Shko
oned people; 2890 impris people; 1924 interned people; 601 executed 61 clericals; rtures 136 dead in to
Photo: Nënshati
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SHKODRA CULTURE AND TRADITION Situated between the white peaks of the Alps where the ancient songs of the Titans were born, the amazing Shkodra Lake, the flourishing fields of the crystal rivers, up to the coastal line of the azure Adriatic, in spite of offering rare natural beauties, tourist and archeological sites of a special importance to its visitors, Shkodra is characterized by a very interesting traditional ethno culture. The environmental and historic factors have conditioned throughout the millenniums the way of living and the social organization in society and household. The people of Shkodra are closely related to the land and their grounds and preserve with fanaticism their ancestors ‘cult. The sense of bravery and resistance is very developed among them, and throughout the centuries they have elaborated moral norms and rules for the ethical evaluation of the good and the beauty. The spoken language is characterized by the northern dialect of gheg, which is displayed with variation, especially of phonetic nature.
Albanian Language Albanian Language is an independent branch of the Indo European family of languages, spoken by over seven million people. Its origin was recognized by the German philologist Franz Bopp in 1854. The language is divided into two major dialects: Gheg (northern Albanian) & Tosk (southern Albanian). “Formula e Pagezimit” (1462), a baptismal formula, is the first written document in Albania retrieved. The oldest published book in the country “Meshari” was written in Gehg dialect by Gjon Buzuku, a Catholic cleric in 1555. The scattering of books produced in the 16th and 17th centuries originated largely in the Gheg area, reflecting the Roman Catholic missionary activities. The official language, written in a standard roman-style orthography adopted in 1909, was based on the south Gheg dialect. After the World War II, the communist regime imposed a Tosk-based unified standard in all of Albania.
Traviata
SHKODRA CULTURE AND TRADITION Costumography Special care has been paid to women’s and men’s clothes. They are characterized by the amazing combinations of colors, fabrics, ornaments and cultic motifs. They express the inhabitants ‘creative and executing skills, imagination, love for life and try to show the human beauty at its best.
Costume of Muslim women
The costume of Catholic women has cloak trousers as well, but their color is black. The garment consist of a light silken fabric blouse, weaved in a home loom, camisole and dark cherry, blue or staring red gown which is worn in ceremonial occasions. This garment in head is accompanied by a sallman, a sort of headband, ornamented with various patterns. It contains similarities with that Muslim women, but especially the models are different. Xhubleta
A typical clothing item for the women, worn by the mountains women of Alps is xhubleta (woolen gong), a bell-shaped skirt with a wavy hem, especially at the back. It is sown together from various pieces and strips of thick woolen felt, lined with braided cord, and held by two thick suspenders. The xhubleta is part of a folk costume, which includes a traditionally embroidered shirt and sleeveless vest, woolen apron, foot socks and slippers. The costume of Muslim women is characterized by cloak trousers and a white silken blouse, a camisole and a long gown, embroidered with golden lines and braids. This garment is completed by slippers ornamented with embroideries and colors. The haircloth consists of a sort of cap ornamented with golden and silver lines and coins. The most beautiful part of this garment is the embroidered camisole and crosses.
Costume of Catholic women
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SHKODRA CULTURE AND TRADITION
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Marriage is considered as a heritage cult and is viewed as the realization of human dreams for happiness. The ritual of the wedding expresses the joy and the responsibility of creating a new family through some very significant ancient rites. The celebration of this event is known in the whole country for the merry atmosphere that dominates and
Weddings in Shkodra
for the rich repertoire of folk songs, which correspond to each wedding rite After the wedding ceremony, the child’s birth is a very special event. Ancient beliefs and rites exist for this desirable event, which aim at safeguarding the just born creature like people would protect their eyes. The region is rich in lullabies, songs that mother sing to her child to make him asleep, in which she express all her dreams and hopes for the child’s future. Death’s ritual is also very characteristic and expresses the rich spiritual world of people, their love for life and grief for its loss. Apart from the verbal lamentation, in some areas, especially in the mountains one, what is very special is the lamentation of the highlanders, accompanied with words and gestures that express a deep grief. This kind of lamentation is authentic in the entire country.
Shkodra the city of songs Ahengu Shkodran Shkodra has a rich local songwriting tradition. Over the centuries, here has been developed a special kind of music, sophisticated with lyrical and romantic texts, quite different from any other place in Albania. “Ahengu shkodran” translated in a first meaning as “the music of Shkodra”, is one of the seven masterpieces of spiritual heritage of the country. It is a musical macro- structure involving an entire range of some of the most significant musical elements, which contributed to the formation and consolidation of an urban musical tradition in northern Albania, specifically in the city of Shkodra. “Aheng” is believed to be an ancient tradition. The birth, formation and consolidation of aheng have been always linked with the economic, social political and cultural life in Shkodra, starting from 15th century onwards. One of the reason why urban aheng found its highest expression in Shkodra, is undoubtedly linked with Shkodra’s attributes as the most developed medieval Albanian city. It includes repertoires of traditional urban song and instrumental pieces. The musical formations of urban aheng in Shkodra were of a mixed character, combining the tambour, the violin, the seven-hole kaval, the tambourine, finger
cymbals and musicians spoons. Ahengu shkodran was held mainly on the night of the weeding; on the day of the marriage and on the first weeding night until the next morning. It comprises more than 300 selected songs greatly influenced by the multicultural mentality and combined with the beauty of the houses, gardens plenty of flowers, which has been used as symbols or metaphors to address the different aspects of love and passion for the women. Of a great interest are the so-called “jare shkodrane”, the cultivated lyrical songs, which are considered “the heart” of the repertoire. They epitomize in the most significant way general musical features of ahengu shkodran like the long melodic phases, the extensive tonal range, the rich melodic ornamentations and the free rhythmic performance practice.
SHKODRA CULTURE AND TRADITION Shkodra has a long tradition in the development of the music. In 1876 started the creation of the wind orchestra, which has been officially established in 1878, being the first of its kind in Albania. The renaissance composer Paloke Kurti, who was the director of the first band, created a lot of songs, which are included in the best fund of urban songs of Shkodra. In the 1930s the first public con-
The song “Lule Bore” (Snow flowers) the emblematic song of Shkodra music Simon Gjoni, composed the piece in 1946 when he was a teacher and fell in love with one of his students during a rare snow day in the city. That day he asked poet Zef Pali for a short text for a song to represent the girl as a snow flower in the text itself, and Pali prepared it in the same day. Since when the song was first played, its melody has been one of the most popular themes in the Albanian music and has been considered by critiques as an unrepeatable model of the Albanian lyric.
The city with a great sense of humor A distinctive feature for the region, localized especially in the city of Shkodra, is the presence of a highly developed sense of humor, which appears in common conversations, but it has been elevated into art in the famous bejte (verses), humorous songs, created instantly about concerns of everyday life. Such sympathetic creations full of humor adorn even the greatest feast organized by Shkodra citizens in their households and society. For them, it is an essential part of life and survival, just like air and water on their everyday food: “A day without laugher is a wasted day” goes the adage in Shkodra.
certs took place. There were 9 musical and wind formations, raised by the cultural institutions. Cesk Zadeja, from Shkodra, was the composer of the first Albanian symphony (1956) as well as the composer of the music of the first Albanian film “Tana” (1958). In the theatre “Migjeni” in Shkodra, in 1958 was performed the first opera premiere “Mrika” composed by Prenk Jakova.
Lule Bore Tuj kerku n’are dhe koder Tuj prek lulet gjith me dore Vec n’nji kopesht te vogel n’Shkoder Ty te gjeta lulebore Je e vogel, por je plot Ty t’kerkoj une tash sa mot Tash sa mot une ty t’kerkoj N’gezim me ty jeten ta shkoj Eja, eja lule bore Une me ty do thur kunor Pashe ma te bukuren stine prandvere Pashe mretneshen drandofill Mos t’ja falish kujt ti eren Se per mu vetem ke cile
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SHKODRA CULTURE AND TRADITION The biking capital of Albania
What you will notice immediately when you arrive in Shkodra, is the number of people riding bicycles. Cycling is a mainstream travel mode within the city. People on bikes, going about their daily business are a common sight everywhere. The first bike was seen in Shkodra in the beginning of the 20th century (1907). It was the Consul of Sweden who introduced this trend into the old city. From that time on, the number of bicycles grew gradually. Neither did the introduction of private cars in large numbers in the early 1990’s put an end to this tradition. There is an explanation for this strong relationship between the locals and bicycle. The city is 8 km long and 4 km wide, with all of it lying on an entirely flat area. Shkodra is the 5th most bike-friendly cities of west Europe. Shkodrans takes traffic very personally! They believe in (traffic) tolerance. In general the drivers in Shkodra are respectful and understandable due to high cycling share and culture.
The architecture of traditional urban dwelling in Shkodra The traditional Shkodra dwellings, a small number of which have survived to this day, date back from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries, but there are sources which date them even earlier. The dominating of
dwelling in Shkodra is the house with çardak (open floor serving as a summer verandah). Çardak dwellings are part of a wider group of open buildings, which evolved from an earlier type known as houses with hayats (porches). All types of çardak dwellings generally consist of two stores. The ground floor is not habitable. Çardak main function is to serve as a living area and to provide access to the other rooms. Connection between the floors is realized by means of external stairs made by stone. Traditional houses were part of a walled compound with an enclosed courtyard and additional auxiliary outhouses including the so called “ground-floor house”; consisting of one or two rooms. They were used as laundry and kitchens and guest room for second hand guests.
Traditional houses to visit Oso Kuka j Str. Oso Kuka, q+35522 243 213; Pashko Vasa j Str. Pashko Vasa 35, q+35569 256 4682 . Other traditional houses open to visitors: - The house of Roza Suma; - The house of Filip Ceka; - Ramiz Bekteshi; - Shyqyri Kalaci; - Riza Tahiri.
SHKODRA CULTURE AND TRADITION Traditional Crafts Shkodra, having been a trading city and a cultural capital, is also well known for its artisan heritage and still today there are artisans that try to maintain these traditions. Few artisans have shops in the city, and the tourists, in addition being able to buy high quality products, can also visit their workshops. Open markets and fairs are organized in the city centre pedestrian zone to further promote the products of the region. One of the most notable artisan products from Shkodra would be that of the Silver Filigree. Also, standing out are the following: artistic woodwork, basket weaving, traditional and modern embroideries, handmade table cloths, scarves and bags made of cotton, as well as kilims made of locally sourced wool.
The Shkoder Mask Factory
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Suggested places to visit Handmade jewels of silver & gold -Marin Gjonej j Str. Kole Idromeno, q+355692167615 Home textile, cloths, bags, scarfs etc - Gjino Mjeda j Bulevardi Skenderbeu, q+355693403992 Home textile on loom - Roza Ndoci j Juban, q+355692233491; - Nebije Qotaj j Zogaj q+355682262678 Artistic handicraft of wood carving - Karini family j Str. Besnik Ceka, q+355692115872; - Zef Gjini j Str. Marlul, q+355672301509; Rush-works - Sidrit company -Drita Dibra j Str. Oso Kuka q+35522247075 - Venice Art Mask Factory j Str. Lin Delia q+355 68 204 7291
Photo: Nebije Qota
What to see
WHAT TO SEE THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF THE CITY Castle Rozafa
(Address: Str. Castle) Open 08:00 - 20:00 (summer); 08:00 - 16:00 (winter), Admission 200 lek. The castle of Shkodra, also known by the name of the Rozafa castle, is perched on a craggy limestone hill, 136 meters above the sea level, on the southern edge of the present city. It is surrounded by the rivers of Buna and Drin and is the most impressive sight of the city. The castle is encircled by a powerful system of defense walls and fortifications with a total perimeter of 800 meters, with alternating circular and rectangular towers. It is one of the largest and better preserved castles in the country. Archeological excavations have shown that the earliest signs of human habitation on the castle hill, date as far back as the Early Bronze Age, 4000 years ago, followed later by an Illyrian fortress. Between the existing first two castle’s gates there are Illyrian’s cyclopean walls, which consist of huge, meticulously rocks, dating back to 350 BC. During early medieval period, a permanent castle was constructed here. It’s from this period that the legend of its construction originates- a legend that was first written down by the famous writer Marin Barleti in 1504. According to the legend, three brothers struggled to build the castle, but what they erected during the day, fell down at night. To keep the castle from falling down, they were advised to sacrifice a human life. The three brothers decided to sacrifice the first of their wives who would bring the lunch in the next day. The faiths picked Rozafa, the wife of the youngest brothers, who accepted to
be sacrificed and be walled in alive with the only condition that the right part of her body should be left exposed to take care for the newborn son. A number of earlier defense structures can be seen within the walls, overlying and complementing each other-Illyrian times, followed by those from the Balshas (14th century), Venetian rules (15th century), Turkish occupation (16th & 17thcenturies) and the Bushatlis, an important feudal family of the 17th and 18th centuries. The main entrance of the castle is on the northern side, as well as a secret exit. The interior of it is an irregularly shaped area of about 4 hectares, divided into three courtyards, called the lower city, the middle city and the castle, which communicated among them with gates. The castle has a smaller surface than the other parts. It is situated in the highest and the most protected part of the hill and it served as the home of nobility of the city. It also served as a stay of the garrison and as a place of the last resistance. The main object was the harbor office, a three floor building of the Venetian time, treated in a monumental way. The middle city has the central part of the castle with a bigger surface; where among the various objects, the church of Saint Stephan, built in 1319 can be mentioned. It was later converted to a mosque. The lower city does not have any tracks of buildings inside and it communicates directly with the main entrance of the castle. Besides the main entrance, the castle has some other entrances of second hand, which served to the manoeuvre of the forces in cases of sieges or secret exists. The castle with its powerful walls and towers could resist two long sieges and the continuous artillery bombardment of the Turks in 1474 and 1478-79.The castle has been the administrative unit of the city of Shkodra till 1865. Today, the castle is the top visitor’s attraction of Shkodra. From its walls, there is a fantastic view towards the city, Lake Shkodra, the Buna River flowing towards the sea, and the Kiri and Drini rivers which join just below the castle before flowing into the Buna. The road to go up is rocky and slippery. It takes approximately 10 min by car from the centre. There is a free parking place close to the entrance, as well as at the bottom of the castle.
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WHAT TO SEE THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF THE CITY Saint Stephen Church (inside the Rozafa Castle) It is a religious building known as the St. Stephen Church, the city’s protective saint in the middle Ages. This church was very important to the medieval city’s history. A roman-gothic construction, accommodating a square apse, it should have been built towards the end of the 13th century. The southern side of the building dates back to the Venetian period, the 15th century. Following the Ottoman occupation of Shkodra, the church was converted into a mosque and was named the Mosque of Sultan Fatih (Mehmet II) in memory of the sultan who occupied the city. When the church was turned into a mosque, the construction was subjected to alterations. A minaret and a lateral gallery were built. The building was abandoned after 1865, when the vilayet’s ottoman administration left the castle to be settled in the new city.
Saint Stephen Church
The Turkish bath (Address: Str. Banja e vogel) The Turkish bath or so called “Banja e vogel” built in the first half of 18th century is an engineering building of social character of the late mediaeval cities. Serving its function, the bath is closed; it has a rectangle form and doesn’t have contact with the outside. It is composed of the dressing room, the cleaning premises, the central washing room and the water depot. Having a utility character, the outer part of it expresses well the functionality and the structure, having flat walls, being lightless, with conic and pyramidal coverings of the tambour cupolas. The Turkish bath
WHAT TO SEE THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF THE CITY The historic centre of the city of Shkodra is composed of “Museum zone” which includes the urban and architectonic ensembles roads “13 Dhjetori”, “28 Nentori” “Kole Idromeno” and Gjuhadol neighborhood. It is closely connected to the activity of the end the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century and represents a good part of the new commercial centre. The urban and architectonic ensembles have a harmonic composition in proportion to walking paths, creating as such parallel row of buildings. They are generally two floor building, with the front facade on the road, where the architectonic treatment of the outer appearance, though not unique, is appraised for its diversity and the stylization of the architectonic elements. This has brought about artistically mature works of the cultural inheritance, works of the Albanian talented architects and masters, such as Kole Idromeno, Pjeter Marubi and some other well known names of that time, who began to use immediately the new techniques of construction.
Prefecture of Shkodra (former City Hall building) (Address: Str. 28 Nentori) The Prefecture was built in 1900. It initially served as a military club and canteen for Turkish officers (the garrison barracks were very close by) and did not become the seat of the town administration until 1916. This buiding has a place of prominence in local history; the first time ever that the national Albanian flag was raised in Shkodra was on its balcony on 23 November 1913. Prefecture of Shkodra
City Hall building (Address: Str. 13 Dhjetori) City Hall building is the main building for Shkodra city, one of the most monumental and beautiful works in Albania, inherited from the Ottoman period. This graceful and magnificent building was designed by the French architect August Briot. At the beginning of the 19th century, years 19031905, it was ordered by the Ottoman authorities and finalized by the contribution of the people of Shkodra’ city. The building is a unique edifice, the only one of the style in Albania.Its 100 year old biography is full of interesting historical facts.
City Hall Building
The building of Gjimnazi “28 Nentori” (Address: Str. 13 Dhjetori) The building of Gjimnazi “28 Nentori” is a cultural monument and one of the best known and prestigious schools in the country, particularly active during the Ahmet Zogu’s reign. It is the last building left from Ottoman troops ‘military headquarters constructed around 1880. The building of Gjimnazi “28 Nentori”
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WHAT TO SEE THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF THE CITY
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Kafja e Madhe (Cafe’ Grand) (Address: Str. 28 Nentori) Kafja e Madhe is a cultural monument and symbol of the city. Designed by one of the best architect of Albania, Kolë Idromeno, it is a building with a typical 19th century architecture, which has served as a cafe’ in the past three centuries.
English Clock Tower (Address: Str.Teuta) This building is located in the centre of the city, opposite the Hotel Rozafa. It was built in 1868. The funds for the construction of the house and the clock tower next to it, both in dressed stone, came from an English protestant evangelical missionary Lord Padget, who was thinking to transform it into an Anglican Church. This church never laid its activity, because it was not allowed by the inhabitants of the town. The house is a beautiful building with carved wooden ceilings and gothic-style windows.
Kafja e Madhe (Cafe’ Grand)
Tower of Gjon Markagjoni (Address: Str. of Jezuite) Tower of Gjon Markagjoni dates to the 16th century. It houses Shkodra’s prettiest tower (kulla) decorated in the neo-Renaissance style. The tower was added in the early 20th century designed by Albanian architect Kole Idromeno. Tower of Gjon Markagjoni
English Clock Tower
WHAT TO SEE PLACES OF WORSHIP Being a multicultural city, where each religious’ community played an important role during the history and economic development, Shkodra is the example of a peaceful interreligious coexistence. The people of Shkodra protect this very precious treasure of interfaith harmony, with care and love, as an authentic, extraordinary value. In 1967, when the communist regime declared Albania the world’s first atheistic state and the religious buildings were totally destroyed, Shkodra was the most damaged and persecuted region of Albania. A lot of clergymen were condemned to death, to prison or to deportation, because they believed and defended their faith. After 1990, when religious life restarted and the country was opened to the World, Shkodra attested its traditional spirit of tolerance and cooperation between the religious.
Lead Mosque (Address: Str. of Tabakeve 1) Lead Mosque is a cultural monument of the first category. It is located behind the Rozafa castle on its southern part, once in the heart of Shkodra’s old bazaar area. The Lead Mosque was built in 1773 by Mehmet Pasha Bushati, and was inspired by the great Sultan Ahmed mosque in Istanbul. This mosque is a unique example of Arabic style in Albania. It has been selected as one of the 50 most beautiful Muslim objects in the world. The domes of the mosque were covered by lead layers. This is the reason why it was named “Lead Mosque”. This building is considered as the oldest building of the Islamic religion of the country.
Lead Mosque
The Church of our Lady of Shkodra (Address: Str. Agron) The church is situated right below the Rozafa Castle and it was restored in the 17th century. It is famous for the icon of Our Lady of Shkodra (5th century) that disappeared during the Turkish conquest in 1467. The legend says that the Virgin Mary appeared to two soldiers in a dream and ordered them to leave the country with the icon in order to prevent the Turkish from profaning the holy image. The two soldiers settled it in Genazzano, Italy and it is still there.A copy of it, was donated to the Chatholic Cathedral of Shkodra, by Pope John Paul II, when he paid a visit here on 25th April 1993.
The Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel
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WHAT TO SEE PLACES OF WORSHIP
30 Mosque of Parruca
(Address: Str. Studenti, 40) The first Mosque of Parruca was built in the early 1800s. In 19th century, Turkish authorities wanted to reconstruct this small mosque but Jukaj family, land owners of the mosque, refused to do it. With the initiative of Mufti Salih Efendi and based on the donations of Shkodra’s large families, a new and big mosque was established. The engineer of this construction was Sadi Pashallari. The mosque had two minarets of 40 meters high, three entrances and three large salon waiting rooms. The mosque is well-known because of its value’s history. Here it was buried Hasan Riza Pasha, the main commander during the Siege of Shkodra and the symbol of resistance against the Montenegrian invasion. The existing mosque was rebuilt in 2006 with the same architecture of the previous mosque.
Mosque of Parruca
Ebu Bekr Mosque (Address: Str. Fushe Cele) Known to locals as the Great Mosque or El Zamil, this mosque is the focal point of Shkodra’s Muslim community. It was fully constructed and refaced in 1995 with donations from Egypt & Saudi Arabia on the site of the historic mosque which was completely demolished in 1960. The mosque was historically important in the scholarly learning of the city and attracted notable Islamic scholars and theologians. It can be visited outside the prayer time. The mosque has a beautiful interior decoration.
Ebu Bekr Mosque
Orthodox Church (Address: Str. Hasan Riza Pasha,) Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral of Shkodra was built in 2000 on the spot of a temoporary wooden church. It consists of a large two-storey building with three domes. Due to their abode looks majestic and luxurious. The facade of the room is painted in a soft peach color, the window is made with narrow arches, and the main entrance is decorated with small columns.
Orthodox Church
WHAT TO SEE PLACES OF WORSHIP Franciscan church
Franciscan church
(Address: Str. At Gjergj Fishta 42,) It is a large Italian-style church crowned with religious statues and preserves its architectural features of the 19th century when it was first built. The believers call it “Kisha e Fretenve”. It is the most highly frequented church in the city and well-known all over Albania, because two of the most outstanding individuals of Albania’s history Father Gjergj Fishta and Dede Gjo Luli are buried here.
The Catholic Cathedral (Address: Square Gjon Pali II) The Cathedral, designed by the architect Kole Idromeno, was built between 1856 and 1898. At the time, it was the largest of its kind in the Balkans. After 1967 it was converted into a sports hall. In the 1991, it was restored by Italian specialists and inaugurated by Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Two years later, Pope John Paul II visited the Cathedral and consecrated Shkodra’s new Archbishop, Frano Ilia, a man who was originally condemned to death 25 years earlier for his beliefs but ended up being imprisoned for life. A statue of the Pope John Paul II can be found inside the left entrance. Just outside the Cathedral, an elegant Italian-style building now is the archbishop’s residence.
The Rrmajit Cemetery (Address: Str. Hile Mosi-it) Rrmajit Cemetery is a Catholic cemetery, unique in all Albania. The monumental graveyard boasts a number of medieval burial tombs, catacombs, and other original architectural monuments in more recent styles, such as Jugendstil, Neoclassicism, and so on. The graveyard is interesting also concerning the materials used to build these funerary monuments, which range from basalts, to Syrian granite, Carrara
The Catholic Cathedral
marbles, Murano glass from Venice, concrete and local stones, all embedded in refined and original designs. If there is any evidence of funerary art in Albania, you can definitely find it in the monuments of the Rrmajit Cemetery (Varrezat e Rrmajit) in Shkodra. This historic Catholic cemetery gives more than a glimpse into the history of the place. Many Albanian heroes are buried here. Rrmajit Cemetery (Varrezat e Rrmajit) is more than a graveyard: it is a historic testimony of the birth of a nation. Its monuments speak of freedom, hopes, and aspirations.
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WHAT TO SEE MUSEUMS
32 The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” Address: Str. Kole Idromeno. info@marubi.gov.al; www.marubi.gov.al Open 09:00 - 14:00/ 15:00-18:00 Closed Mon. Admission 700 lek.’ This is Albania’s only museum dedicated entirely to photography. It houses a vast collection of 500,294 photographs dating back from 1858 when the first images in Albania were recorded. The design for the Marubi Museum promotes a rich dialogue between tradition and modernity. The legacy of the tradition is underlined by placing the museum in the historical building designed by the Albanian architect born in Shkodër, Kolë Idromeno. The modern image of the museum is based on an abstract pattern, which is inspired by the geometry of the aperture of the photographic
camera that opens and closes to control the light. This abstract pattern is used to design the structural layout of the five exhibition boxes installed in the building, integrating as well a complete and versatile exhibition system that includes frames to exhibit photos and documents, showcases for objects and video screens for slide-shows and short movies. The collection represents a unique documentation of regional history over a period of nearly 157 years, with the photographs of Pietro Marubbi, Mati Kodheli, Kel Marubi, Gegë Marubi, Kolë Idromeno, Shan Pici, Kolë Maca, Dedë Jakova, Pjetër Rraboshta, Angjelin Nënshati. On December 2016 it was nominated for European Museum of the Year Award by the European Museum Forum. The collection is protected from deterioration and properly guarded from UNESCO.
The National Museum of Photography “Marubi”
WHAT TO SEE MUSEUMS History of Marubi The Marubi Dinasty started with Pjeter Marubi (1834-1903), known today as the father of Albanian photography. He was from Piacenza- Italy and emigrated in Shkodra for political reasons in 1856. It is thought that in 1856, he was the first to use the wet collodion process, the most advanced photographic technology of the time. Two years later he took the first-ever photograph in Albania and created the Marubi studio. His photographs with historical significance were used as illustrations in many magazines and books of the time. The second generation of the Marubi studio, was represented by Mikel Kodheli. In 1885, Pjeter hired Mikel Kodheli (18701940), whom he later adopted, renaming him Kel Marubi. Apart from the studio work, Kel documented the city life and landscapes with people and made the studio the most famous of its kind, especially in the art of the portrait. The third generation is represented by Gege (1907-1984), son of Kel, who was graduated in Paris at the “Lumiere Brothers”, the first school of
33 photos and cinematography in the world. He dealt with the latest techniques of this art, infrared, solarium and relief photography. In the 1970s he donated the studio’s photographic collection (150 000 negatives) to the Albanian State and worked for their preservation until his death.
WHAT TO SEE MUSEUMS
34 The Historical Museum The Historical Museum Address: Str. Oso Kuka. Open 09:00 - 14:30 Closed: Saturday, Sunday. Admission 150 lek.
The historical museum of Shkodra has begun to organize in the year of 1947, but took full form in 1949. It was placed in the centre of the town in XIX. Important is the rich contributions of Father Shtjefen Gjecov as the first collector to this field. The museum is set in a typical of Ottoman houses of the 17th-19th centuries ”Oso Kuka”. It preserves the characteristic features of Shkodra home of the type “with garret” and constitutes one of the most beautiful architectural accomplishments in traditional Albanian housing typology.
The historical museum
The sector of Archeology is located on the ground floor of the building, with exhibition halls and funds. It has an archaeological fund of about 1500 objects coming from excavations or found throughout in the basin of Shkodra. These items indicate the presence of human activity, uninterrupted from the Neolithic Age (III millennium BC) until the late Middle Ages ( XV-XVI century) The sector of Ethnography has a fund of about 2000 objects (XVIII-XX century). They are crafts products of Shkodra and surrounding areas: Dukagjin, Postrriba, Zadrima, Anamali etc. The ethnographic exhibition is located in the guest room. The most interesting elements of this room are chimney of gypsum, wooden ceiling carved with rozet in the centre, windows on two levels, the alcove in the form of balcony, wall shelves along the walls decorated with floral motives. The sector of History consists of historical buildings, archives and pinakoteka. A part is exposed while the rest is in funds. The fund of the museum’s historic buildings (about 500 objects) consists mainly of several collections that document the period from XVII century nowadays). Archive is an important part of the museum. Largest grouping of documents consists of letters written (the beginning of the XIX century until 1908). Photo archive consists of 1927 film, 3000 images and 10000 files. In the Pinakoteka are served a total of 110 art works (XIX-XX century). Library manages to provide a relatively rich fund counting over 6000 titles.
WHAT TO SEE MUSEUMS
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Museum of Castle Rozafa Address: Rozafa castle. Open 09:00 - 14:30 Closed: Saturday, Sunday. Admission 150 lek. The castle Museum is located in a monumental three story building of XV century known as “Kapiteneria�, The Captain residence (Venetian ruler). It is distinguished that is a military building because of the thickness of the walls and the narrow windows for the development of artillery guns. The building facade is crafted with hewn stone, while the roof is covered with stone tablets. On the ground floor of the Museum through the ceramic material of the illustrations there are presented traces of the prehistoric settlement on the castle hill with the strand since the Early Bronze Age. Here are exposed various archeological object, the three kings Illyrians Agron, Teuta and Gent, coins collections (III-II century BC), different objects to the early medieval period, collection of Bombshell ( last XV century). On the upper floor, there are exposed documents and relics that reflect the modern medieval history of Rozafa Castle. The exposed original materials are accompanied by the explanations, pictures, sketches of different maps.
Museum Castle of Rozafa
WHAT TO SEE MUSEUMS
36 The Site of Witness and Memory Address: Boulevard Skënderbeu. Open 09:00 - 14:30 Closed : Saturday, Sunday. Admission 150 lek. The Site of Witness and Memory is a Site of Remembrance which commemorates the victims of the regime from Shkodra telling the story of people who suffered for their beliefs and moral integrity. The building was constructed in 1930 from the Franciscan fathers and served as a Seraphic Institute for training parish priests. The property was confiscated and transformed into Dega e Brendshme (headquarter of State Security in Shkodër) in 1945 till the ‘90s. It was an institution where suspected were interrogated during pre-trial detention under severe torture and abuse. Starting from September 2014, the area has been converted into a memorial allowing the public to visit the former pre-trial detention cells. The itinerary, which starts with some general information about communism persecution in Shkodër, exhibition of objects and documents of the time, ends in the original cells area where prisoners were kept and tortured until their initial trial appearance.
The Site of Witness and Memory
Diocesan Museum Shkoder - Pult
Diocesan Museum Shkoder - Pult
Address: Square Gjon Pali II. Mob: +35567 555 2076 Open 09:00 - 113:00/ 15:00- 17:00. During winter and Saturday: 09:00- 13:00 Closed Saturday, Sunday. Admission free The Diocesan Museum was found to collect, maintain and present the historical heritage about the religion and culture of the Albanian people. It is referred in particular, the territorial area of Archdiocese Shkoder-Pult. In northern Albania, where historically Catholic tradition is stronger than in the rest of the country, this museum is a witness and guardian of the faith that is deeply rooted in the origins of Christianity itself. The museum provides a narrative performance by thematic sections, accompanied by a line of time and organized into two main cores: PLACES AND SIGN IN TIME (ground floor), WITNESS IN TIME (first floor).
WHAT TO SEE CULTURE AND EVENTS Gallery of Art (Address: Str. Doktor Selaudin Bekteshi) Open 09:00 - 16:00. Closed Saturday, Sunnday. Admission free Shkodra has a rich tradition in figurative arts. Many painters, graduates of the “Painting Schools” of Shkodra have become well-known in Albania and abroad. The Gallery includes under its funds the activity of different artists from Shkodra and Albania who have left great impressions on the inheritance of the nation. The Art Gallery preserves and exposes 700 pictures, sculptures, graphics, etc. You will have the chance to familiarize yourself with works by painters from the area or run one of the different exhibitions of gallery.
Art of Galery
Theatre “Migjeni” (Address: Square Demokracia 1) The theatre is a large building. Works for its construction started in 1955. The main house has a seating capacity of 560. It used to conduct a very lively artistic life in all of its three components: Theatre, stand-up and comedy theatre, orchestra and singers. It is considered the second most important theatre in Albania; Its cast are among the best loved and most appreciated across the country. The theatre bears the name of Millosh Gjergj Nikolla (Migjeni). His powerful poetry becaming a mouthpiece for ordinary citizens at a time when the country was going through a very precarious phase on the eve of the Second World War. In this theatre has been put on the scene the first musical Albanian opera “Mrika” (1958) with the author and melodist of Shkodra Preke JAKOVA. Theater Migjeni
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WHAT TO SEE CULTURE AND EVENTS
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Cinema Millenium Cinema Millenium (Address: Boulevard Skenderbeu) Opened in 1958, it had a seating capacity for 600. The building possibly pre-dates the cinema, and has columns supporting a pediment, with the facade in a Classical style. Recently renovated, the seating capacity is now reduced to 250. Cinema Millenium
The Public Library “Marin Barleti” (Address: Square 2 Prilli) Opened in 1931, the library has a fund with 250 thousand volumes with more than 72 thousand titles. Its fund store contains a lot of books from the XV-XVI centuries, printed in Europe’s largest cities. Precious collections have turned it into an important scientific center, especially with regard to philological sciences. It carries special collections, such as manuscripts (150), maps and antiquarians. The Public Library “Marin Barleti”
Stadium Loro Boriçi Stadium Loro Boriçi (Address: Str. Djepaxhijej 2) Shkodra has a deep rooted sport-related tradition. The city hosted the first athletics events and first bicycle tours. The Stadium is the home ground of Vllaznia club, which was founded in 1919 and is the oldest sport club of the country. The stadium was renamed in honor of former footballer Loro Borici. Its construction finished in 2016 and the new stadium has a capacity of 16,022 seats. The stadium is the second largest stadium of the country and host of different national and international football clubs. The locals are known nationwide as the best behaved and most polite fans.
Stadium Loro Boriçi
WHAT TO SEE STATUES AND MONUMENTS
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The memorial of democracy heroes (Address: Square 2 Prilli) This memorial consisting of 4 white marble pillars, was build in the honor of four young people, who were killed by police forces during the demonstration against election frauds in the first pluralist elections in the country on 2 April 1991.
The monument of Hasan Riza Pasha
The memorial of democracy heroes
(Address: Str.13 Dhjetori) Hasan Rıza Pasha (1871- 30 January 1913) was a general in the Otoman Army and the main commander during the Siege of Shkodra. He became the symbol of resistance against the Montengrian invasion. He did his utmost to defend the town, stating "Shkodra is our fate or our grave, but not our shame".
Monument of Gjergj Fishta (Address: Str. 13 Dhjetori) It is a white statue of the great Father Gjergj Fishta (1871-1940), an Albanian Franciscan, poet and translator. Notably he was the chairman of the commission of the Congress of Monastir, which sanctioned the Albanian alphabet. In 1921 he became the Vice President of the Albanian parliament, and in 1937 he completed and published his epic masterpiece “Lahuta e Malcise” (Highlands Lahuta), an epic poem written in Gheg dialect of Albanian, which took him over 30 years to complete. It contains 17,000 lines and is considered the "Albanian Iliad”. He was the first Albanian writer nominated to Nobel Prize.
The monument of Hasan Riza Pasha
Monument of Gjergj Fishta
Luigj Gurakuqi (Address: Str. 28 Nentori) Luigj Gurakuqi (1879-1925) was a writer and activist for the Albanian cause. He was the author of a lot of didactic and educational works as well. L.Gurakuqi studied medicine for three years in Italy, but his interests were focused more in science and humanities. He returned to Albania and became a leading figure in the nationalist movement, which led the country’s Independence in 1912. He was the first Minister of Education in Albania. Luigj Gurakuqi was assassinated in Bari in 1925.
Luigj Gurakuqi
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WHAT TO SEE STATUES AND MONUMENTS The statue of Saint Mother Teresa (Address: Str. 28 Nentori) Mother Teresa (1910–1997) was an Albanian- Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world. She was born in Skopje (now the capital of the Republic of Macedonia), then part of the Kosovo Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire.She spent many years in Calcutta, India where she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation devoted to helping those in great need. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize and became a symbol of charitable, selfless work. In 2016, Mother Teresa was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Teresa. The family of Saint Teresa lived in Shkoder from 1932-1933. Her previous house (address: Rruga Ghuhadol) is open to visitors. They can see original objects, pictures of her families, manuscripts and her sleeping room of this period.
The statue of Saint Mother Teresa
The statue of Liberty (in front of Catholic Cathedral) (Address: Square Gjon Pali II) The statue of liberty is devoted to 40 martyrs of the Albanian nation. A work of art passionately and expertly done by sculptor Agim Rada, which remains unique by its meaning conveyed to the public, not only for the city of Shkodra, but for the whole country. It is inaugurated on the same day of the “White November” publishing, a book dedicated to the first mass, marking religious freedom restoration on November 4, 1990.
The statue of Liberty
WHAT TO SEE STATUES AND MONUMENTS
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The statue of Migjeni (in front of Theatre beard his name) (Address: Square Demokracia 1) Migjeni, the pen name of Millosh Gjergj Nikolla, lived his short life from 1911 to 1938 and never managed to publish a book. His work was important for using a realistic force in reflecting poetic beauty and exploring deeper thoughts. He was extinguished like a meteor in the sky of the Albanian literature without reaching 27 years of age. His work consists of 24 short prose sketches and 44 poems. Migjeni is one of the most well known poets of realism literature. The main theme of Migjeni’s work is the misery and suffering.
The statue of Isa Boletini (Address: Square Isa Boletini). Isa Boletini (1864-1916) was a nationalist figure in the Ottoman Kosovo Vilayet and one of Albania’s greatest patriots. He fought in the liberation movement against the Turks, and later against Serbia and Montenegro in order to include Kosovo inside the borders of Albania. He participated in the Albanian Declaration of Independence (1912). Isa was killed in Montenegro during an attempt to capture Podgorica. The patriot was noted for always wearing the traditional Albanian white cap and national dress.
The statue of Migjeni
The statue of Prek Cali (Address: Str. Lin Delia). This monument was dedicated to one of the most distinguished characters from Shkodra Highlands. Prek Cali was the leader of his tribe in Albanian revolts of 1908-11, the fights against the Montenegrin forces, and then, the communists. He was executed in 1945 by the partisans.
The statue of Prek Cali The statue of Isa Boletini
Places of Interest
WHAT TO SEE PLACES OF INTEREST Shiroka & Zogaj Neighborhood Walking from Shkodra through Molo Pedestrian Street across the old Buna Bridge (see Bridges of Shkodra) and to the right towards the lake, you can reach Shiroka neighborhood (5 km from the centre). The promenade runs parallel the shoreline at the foot of the Taraboshi Mountain. During the trip, you will be able to see numerous fishermen. Shiroka lies on a gently sloping hill. The Church of Saint Rrok, saint patron of this place, protector of poor people, is located on the centre. An old mosque is found a bit further. A monumental villa, previous holiday home of King Ahmet Zogu, is located on top of the hillside. Shiroka offers numerous small bays for swimming and quality of services to all the visitors and tourists. If you plan to spend a night in peace and quiet alongside of the Lake, feel free to do so. In six kilometers from Shiroka, you will reach Zogaj, a tranquil fishing neighborhood, very similar in character to Shiroka. This small village is more isolated with
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characteristic stone houses up to three stories high and equipped with deep wells of waters. Some of them are tower type houses, which were built in the past times for defense. There are some guesthouses opened to visitors recently. The families here live of fishing and olive oil production. Being a place bordering Montenegro, during the communism, it was a forbidden area and people were not allowed to visit it. There is not possible to cross the road and continue to Montenegro. It ends in front of the Mosque. Shiroka & Zogaj are very attractive tourist centers. The view of the lake is very picturesque. Olive trees and other Mediterranean trees alternate on the surface of the clear blue water. This area is green even during the winter. Restaurants by the shore offer a lot of fresh delicious fish. You will be able to taste or buy fresh organic products such as honey, dried anchovies and olive oil. Being open to water, gulls dominate visual field of tourist’s eyes with their flight.
Shkodra Lake (a “Managed Natural Reserve”) is the biggest lake in the Balkan Peninsula with an area of 368 km2 (of which 149 km2 are included within the territory of Albania). Shkodra Lake represents the largest network of freshwater in the Mediterranean. Shkodra Lake biodiversity developed in unique geomorphologic, geographical, climatic, hydrological and ecological conditions. The lake has rich flora and fauna: there are about 65 fish species, 240 species of birds, over 850 species of plants and 600 species of animals. The lake is rich in avifauna, with 281 bird species recorded. There are 123 species of animals and 20 species of plants that are endangered. The Albanian part of the lake area was declared as a Ramsar site (Ramsar Convention “On internationally important wetlands, especially as waterfowl habitats”) in 2005. Lake Shkodra and its connected Delta of Buna is one of Europe’s top five sites for wintering birds. Home to the rare Dalmatian pelican and the world’s second largest colony of pygmy cormorant, come here at any time of year and you will have the chance to see wetland life in all its glory, from glossy ibis and squacco heron to bitterns, grebes, egrets, terns and more.
Lake of Shkodra
WHAT TO SEE PLACES OF INTEREST
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Entertainment & activities Biking or walking along the shores of the lake; different sport activities (swimming; fishing, kayaking; boating etc), trekking the Mountain Taraboshi; bird watching; camping free places; visit the workshop Nesa in Zogaj, where a team of women keeps producing traditional carpets and crafts, maintaining the tradition of wool processing. A boat service on the Lake of Shkodra and Buna River is available at site with a previous booking. Vellezerit Vataksi. (Address: SH41, Buna Bridge. q+355693334356). The ticket costs approximately 5 eur
The bridges of Shkodra There are a number of bridges around Shkodra. This is because the city is surrounded on three sides by waters. The two most important and best known, however are the Bahcallek Bridge, which spans over the Drini River and connects the city to the rest of the country and Buna Bridge over the Buna River, which links Shkodra to the western parts: The Muriqani border
crossing and Shiroka & Zogaj, the neighborhoods on the Lake of Shkodra. The period of building of the old Bahcallek Bridge, which consists now only in the metallic frame is not known. It is only believed that it was rebuild by the Otomans in 1889. The bridge has had its adventures. Crossing it was made impossible on three occasions, the first time being when it was shelled by the Montenegrins in 1913. In 1919, the Austro - Hungarians partly mined it as they retreated. The last time it was damaged during the German occupation in 1944. The old bridge of Buna (pedestrian bridge) has been the ground connections of the city of Shkodra with other places of Albania. The bridge of Buna is an Ottoman work during 1499 - 1500. It has been built with wood legs. On the year 1899 this bridge was rebuilt from the ottoman governor in Shkodra on that period of time. In the inauguration has been lifted a monument on the forehead edge of the bridge. This stone in the form of a pyramid is protected in the Museum of Shkodra. Mesi Bridge lies on Kiri river, 8 km from city centre. For more information see: Mesi Bridge
WHAT TO SEE Other Places of Interest around the City of Shkodra
The castle of Drisht (Drivastium) The castle of Drisht (Drivastium)
It is situated in the north eastern part of the city of Shkodra (15 km far), on a rocky hill 800 m above the sea levels, with a powerful natural protection, being favored by the surrounding of the Kiri River on the north and the west. It is still inhabited to this day (the Muslim village of Kale inside the old castle walls). The earliest traces of fortifications of the ancient town of Drivastium, date to the late Neolithic era. It was founded to protect the Kosovo trade route. In the
9th century, it was part of the defenses of the Zeta principality. Part of the castle was built in the 13th century during the Byzantine rule. Within the castle walls there were eleven houses forming a neighborhood. After the Montenegrin and Venetian rule, the Ottomans captured the castle during the massive siege in 1478. There is a beautiful view from the castle and the ruins of walls & towers can still be visited.
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WHAT TO SEE Other Places of Interest around the City of Shkodra
Mesi Bridge (Ura e Mesit) Mesi Bridge was built over the Kiri River, 6 km to the north-east of the city of Shkodra. It is a cultural monument of the first category. The bridge is a construction masterpiece, work of Albanian master builders, most of them masons from Dibra. It connects Shkodra with Drisht and Cukal area. It is the longest and best-preserved Ottoman bridge in Albania, built along the ancient trade route Shkodra- Kosovo, a route which date back to the pre Roman times. It is the crest type, realized on 13 arches with different sizes, 108 m long, 3.4 m wide and a height of 15 m. The construction of the
bridge was done in two phases. During the first phase the main arch 21.5 m long and 4 arches were built. The track way of this part is laid with stones, put in an upright position giving the arch of the bridge, the penance of a staircase. Later on, because of floods, it was necessary to make it longer, adding five arches on the left and four on the right. The construction was commissioned by Mehmet Pashe Bushati, the founder of the Pashalik, who ruled Shkodra from 1755 to 1775. According to the historians, the bridge dates to 1768.
Mesi Bridge (Ura e Mesit)
WHAT TO SEE Other Places of Interest around the City of Shkodra
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The Saint Sergj Church &Saint Bak church near the Shirq village (17 km from the city) The church near Shirq village, situated at the edge of Buna is one of the most important monuments of the northen Albania, build during the 11th and 12th centuries. Its remnants, even though most of them are taken by Buna, are magnificent and show the great value of this monument. As regards the typological aspects, the church was built according to the characteristics scheme of the architecture of the Order of Benedictines in the southern Italy. The church has three circus spacies. Of which the middle is the biggest.It belogs to the gothic developed with a lot of elements of the roman architecture, which can be noticed inthesemi circus arches and covering of the roof. With its exact lines, the sharp arches, the technique of multicolour walls, the dĂŠcor, it was an architectural model for a long time.
The Saint Sergj Church &Saint Bak
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WHAT TO SEE Other Places of Interest around the City of Shkodra
The cave of Gajtan (archeological site) Downhill near the village of Gajtan about 6 km northeast of the centre of Shkodra have been discovered some of the most ancient traces of human activity in the whole area of the northen Albania. Archeological researchers have documented object made of bone. These objects that were used to cut, shave or open holes are considered typical examples of the Mousterian tradition prevailing not just for the Albanian territory but also in the Balkans and Europe. They dare from middle Paleothilic (120 000-30 000 B.C).
The small town of Gajtan (archeological site) In the upper part of the hill, archeologists have discovered the existence of an Illyrian small town having an area of about 5 hectares. Natives dealt with agriculture and stock-breeding. Architectural discoveries comprise a long period of time, which starts from the early Bronze Age until its dawn. At the end of the Bronze Age, the dwelling place was fortified by a protective system that transformed it into a fortified tribal centre.
Dakaj’s Castle Dakaj’s Castle located in Shala Dukagjin, on a rocky hill. This has served in the late medieval period, XIV-XV century as a residence of the home-brew feudal lords.
Melagjia Cave (Shllak), Melagjia Cave is found on the north eastern side of Cukali mountain. It is 1300 m above the sea level and 180 m long. The cave of Gajtan
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND THE CITY SHKODRA
Where to stay
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SHKODRA WHERE TO STAY
50 SHKODRA
Shkodra features a place to stay on almost every street of the main pedestrian street. It has a wide range offer- from private accommodation or home rent, cheap backpacker hostels to mid-range hotels. Finding the appropriate accommodation, is an easy choice due to their closely distance with the centre. The farthest hotel has a distance of 3 km from the city centre. The Room prices of listed hotels here include breakfast and the categories are based on the price of the cheapest double room. Since there is no accreditation system for hotels in Albania, the star doesn’t award the offered services or amenities. Grand Hotel Europa 5* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 50 Price per room: 80 eur P Sheshi 2 Prilli, Shkoder - Albania q +355 2224 1211 \ fax: +355 2224 7470 E nfo@europagrandhotel.com w www.europagrandhotel.com Hotel Colosseo 4* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 45 Price per room- 65 eur PRr. Kolë Idromeno, Shkoder - Albania q +355 2224 7513, fax: +355 2224 7514 q +355 68 20 60 130 E info@colosseohotel.com w colosseohotel.com Hotel Carmen 4* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 14 Price per room- 49 eur P Rr. Kole Idromeno q+35522249064 / q+355673813372 E info@hotelcarmen.al; w hotelcarmen.al Hotel Rozafa 4* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 44 Price per room- 60 eur P Rr. Teuta 2 q +35522242 767 E info@hotelrozafa.al; w hotel-rozafa.com Hotel Red Bricks 3* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 14 Price per room- 45 eur PStr. Student,Squere Demokracia,Shkoder q +35522215 70035 E info@theredbricks-al.com w theredbricks-al.com Hotel Kaduku 3* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 17 Price per room- 35 eur PSheshi. Demokracia, Shkoder - Albania q+35522242216/ q+355692551230 E info@hotel-kaduku.com w hotel-kaduku.com Alis Hotel 3* j Location: centre No. of rooms: 22 Price per room- 45 eur PRr. Don Bosko, Shkoder, Albania q +355 22 800 333; +355 67 584 8444 E info@alishotel.al; w alishotel.al
Hotel Tradita Geg & Tosk 3*j Location: 500 m from centre - No. of rooms: 25 Price per room- 50 eur P Rr. Edit Durham, Shkoder - Albania q+355 22 24 05 37 q +355 68 62 63 770 E info@traditagt.com; w hoteltradita.com Hotel Kolping 2* j Location: 1 km from centre - No. of rooms: 6 Price per room- 32 eur P Rr. Skënderbeg/Shkodër / Albania q +35522245492; no.fax. +35522254913 E info@kolpingshkoder.al w kolpingshkoder.al Kompleksi Arifi 3* j Location: 1.5 km from centre - No. of rooms: 14 Price per room- 43 eur P L.Liria, Shkoder - Albania q +355 22801097/+35522801096 q +355672024575 E info@kompleksiarifi.com w kompleksiarifi.com Hotel Roze Garden 3* j Location: 1.5 km from centre - No. of rooms: 10 Price per room- 35 eur P Rruga Justin Godard Nr 18, Shkodër q+35569 311 7127 E info@rosegardenhotel.al w rosegardenhotel.al Kompleksi Luani-A 3* j Location: 2.7 km from centre - No. of rooms: 10 Price per room- 35 eur P Rruga Agron, Shkoder - Albania q +355 22 24 03 32 q +355 68 40 80 542 / +355 68 40 80 492 w kompleksiluani-a.com Hotel Blini 3* j Location: 1.8 km from centre - No. of rooms: 15 Price per room- 45 eur P Shëtitorja e Molos, Shkodër q +35569 329 9992; w hotelblini.com Hotel Bicaj 3* j Location: 1.8 km from centre - No. of rooms: 40 Price per room- 30 eur P Rruga Besnik Ceka, Shkodër q +355222 400 068 E info@hotelbicaj.com w hotelbicaj.com
SHKODRA WHERE TO STAY Hotel ARGENTI 3* j Location: 1.3 km from centre No. of rooms: 37 Price per room- 35 eur PStr. Mehmet Pashë Plaku,Shkodër-Albania q+355 22 43 909/fax: +355 22 43 909 E info@kompleksi-argenti.com w kompleksi-argenti.com Hotel Ideal 3* j Location: 500 m from centre - No. of rooms: 7 Price per room- 25 eur PStr. Kardinal Mikel Koliqi q+355694399929 E booking@hotelideal.eu; w hotelideal.eu Hotel Floga 3* j Location: 1.4 km from centre - No. of rooms: 8 Price per room- 25 eur PStr. Ded Gjon Luli, Mar’ Lula q+35567 233 6644 E info@hotelfloga.comm; w hotelfloga.com Hotel Buza 3* j Location: 2.7 km from centre - No. of rooms: 9 Price per room- 20 eur PSH1 - Shkoder Koplik KM I Shkodër, q+355 685416695; E hotelbuza@hotmail.com w hotelbuzashkoder.com Hotel Ambasador 2* j Location: 2.5 km from centre - No. of rooms: 6 Price per room- 20 eur PStr. TR-ShK, 800 m from Rozafa Castle q+355699190900 w hotelambasadorshkoder.com Shkodra Hotel 2* j Location: 2.5 km from centre - No. of rooms: 14 Price per room- 20 eur PStr. Revolucioni Antikomunist Hungarez, q+35567 489 1211; E shkodrahotel@gmail.com Hotel Emigranti 3* j Location: 4 km from centre - No. of rooms: 22 Price per room- 30 eur PStr.“Gjovalin Gjadri”, 4001 Shkodër q+35568 501 2812; E dritandelija@yahoo.it Hotel 045 2* j Location: 1.5 km from centre No. of rooms: 8- Price per room- 25 eur PStr. Pogej, 4001 Shkodër, Albania q+35522800045; q+355 66 66 45 045. E info@hotel045.com; w hotel045.com Hotel Vila Giorgio j Location: 1.5 km from centre - No. of rooms: 7 Price per room- 20 eur PHafiz Ali Ulqinaku. Str.Tepe, 4001 q+35568 322 7065 Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Hostel j Location: 500 m from centre - No. of rooms: 6 Price per room- 18 eur; Bed in mix dormitory room- 7 eur PSquere Marin Barleti,4001,Shkoder q +355 69 38 12 054 E hostelshkoder@gmail.com w micasaestucasa.it
51 Arka Hostel j Location: 500m from centre, Shkodër 4001 - No. of rooms: 5 Bed in mix dormitory room- 8 eur PStr. Palok Kurti q +35568 407 2096 E arkahostel@gmail.com; rARKA Hostel The Wanderers Hostel j Location: 850m from centre, Shkodër 4001 - No. of rooms: 6 Bed in mix dormitory room- 5 eur P Str. Gjuhadol, Shkodër 4001 q +35569 212 1062 E hostelshkoder@hotmail.com w thewanderershostel.com Pemaj Hostel j Location: 1.6 km from centre, Shkodër 4001- No. of rooms: 11 Price per room- 22 eur; P L.Skenderbeg, Nr 36 , Shkoder/Albania q +355673214463/+355673214461 E pemajhostel@yahoo.com w pemajhostel.comyr.com At home Hostel j Location: 400 m from centre, Shkodër 4001- No. of rooms: 4 Bed in mix dormitory room- 10 eur P Str. Franc Baron Nopcsa. Nr. 17-Shkoder q +355698670887 E info@athomehostelshkoder.com w athomehostelshkoder.com Central Hotel j Location: 300m from centre, Shkodër 4001 - No. of rooms: 4 Price per room- 21 eur; P Rruga Gjylbegaj, 3 1 floor, 4001 Shkodër, q+35569 356 8640;r Central Hotel Shkoder Hostel Shkodra Lake KM 0 j Location: 5 km from centre - No. of rooms: 12 Bed in dormitory room- 10 eur P Shiroka- Shkodër 4001 q +35569 466 8833 rHostel Shkodra Lake KM 0
Camping Sites near Shkodra Camping Legenda, Str.Agron, q +355 069 650 6746, w campinglegenda.com; Camping Legenda, Shiroke, q +355 682049690 r @Park.Hotel.Marku Camping Albania, Barbullush , q +355 67 380 7207; w camping-albania.eu; Camping Lake Shkodra Grile/Omaraj; q +355 67 411 7947; w lakeshkodraresort.com
Gastronomy & traditional dishes
SHKODRA WHERE TO EAT Gastronomy & traditional dishes Despite different influences, the gastronomy of this area is largely identified with the Mediterranean gastronomy. However, the local products are known for their simplicity and clear territorial identity which are common to northern Albania. The combination of coastal area, rivers, cross-border freshwater lake, plains, as well as mountains, will allow you to enjoy the taste of simple and yet utterly delicious meals. The mixture of high quality meat, especially veal and lamb; lake fish such as carp, eel, bleak and grey mullet; humble and yet fresh dairy products such as goat, cow and sheep cheese and yoghurt; delicious fruit and vegetables grown in this territory such as okra, aborigines, onions, tomatoes and figs, pomegranates, grapes and alike provide something for the traveler to look forward to discovering!
Traditional dishes to seek out in Shkodra’s restaurants: Tave Krapi- Carp baking pan; Qefull n’tjegull- Grey Mullet “in tile”; Ngjale me salce pikante- Eel in spicy sauce; Mish Jahni- Veal Jahni; Berxolle vici me patate-Veal chops with baked potatoes; Speca te mbushurStuffed peppers; Kunguj me kos-Grilled zucchini with yogurt sauce; Qingj me qepe pranvere dhe mender te fresket - Lamb with spring onions and fresh mint; supe me veze dhe limon - Egg and lemon soup; Byrek me barishte te egra - Pie with wild greens; Tespixhe - sweet noodle pudding; Revani me kos dhe mjalte - Revani with yogurt and honey; Seltepric me bajame dhe rrush te thate - Seltepric with almonds and raisins.
Where to eat Alongside a highly recommended collection of restaurants serving traditional Albanian cuisine as well as Mediterranean, Italian or Oriental one, Shkodra continues to add an increasingly wide range of dining options to its repertoire. Lots of dining possibilities are available on the main pedestrian street - Kolë Idromeno. There are also some nice restaurants and pizzerias on the promenade near Buna River
53 Old Bridge (Molos street). For fish lovers, we highly recommend the restaurants in Shiroka, Zogaj and Zues. Restaurants and other food services enjoy a reputation of generally healthy food, which is assigned as one of the attractions of the tourism product. Average price of a main course dish, without drinks varies 600 - 1,000 lek (€ 4.50 - €7.40).
Centre dining Restaurant Rozafa. j Str.. Teuta. q+35522242 767 Restaurant Meridian j Str.. Sheshi 2 Prilli. q+35568 608 7979 Restaurant Fish Art j Str. Sheshi 2 Prilli. q+355 68 322 0986 Restaurant Europa j Str. Sheshi 2 Prilli. q+355 2224 1211 Restaurant Idromeno j Str. Jorgji Karamitri q+355222454678 Restaurant Alis j Str.Don Bosko q+355 22 800 333 Restaurant Piazza Park j Str.13 December q+35568 200 7751 Restaurant Colosseo j Str. Kolë Idromeno q+35522 247 513 Restaurant Pasta & Vino j Str. At Gjergj Fishta. q+35569 724 3751 Restaurant Elita. Str. At Gjergj Fishta 64. q+35522 700 008 Restaurant Enoteka j Str. Berdicej q+355222454678 Restaurant San Francisco j Str. Kolë Idromeno q+355694008080 Restaurant Chicago j Str. Kolë Idromeno q+35567 207 4111 Restaurant Oborri Shkodran j Str. Kole Idromeno q+35567 467 7000 Restaurant Sofra j Str. Kole Idromeno q+355 69 209 9022 Restaurant Carmen j Str. Kole Idromeno q+355 69 2074772 Restaurant Pizzeria Fontana j Str. Kole Idromeno q+35567 223 3322 Restaurant Shtepia e Birres j Str. Kole Idromeno q+35569 628 1711 Restaurant Vila Bekteshi j Str.Hasan Riza Pasha q+35522240799 Pizzeria Italia j Str. Jeronin De Rada q+355 66 200 5959 Rozafa Sea Food j Str. Gjuhadol q+35568 601 5026 Restaurant Tradita j Str. Edit Durham q+355 68 62 63 770q+35569 539 3323
SHKODRA WHERE TO EAT
54 Riverside dining Restaurant Bexhisteni j Str. Rruga e Molos; q+35569 539 3323 Restaurant Shtepia e Birres - Kaon j Str. of Molos; q+35569 407 0396 Restaurant Luani A j Str. Agron; q+35568 408 0542 Restaurant Shqiponja j Str. Bexhene; q+35569 225 1818 Restaurant Legenda j Str. Agron q+35569 933 2024 Restaurant Vataksi j SH41, Buna Bridge, q+35569 333 4356 Restorant Illyria j Str. SH41, Zues; q+35569 408 5471 Restaurant Shpija e Gjyshit j SH41, q+35569 555 5931 Restaurant Prince of the Lake j SH41, Zues; q+355 22 800 200 Kompleksi Dubai j Str. Alibegej q+35569 262 7177 Restaurant Monte j SH 41-Zues q +35567 323 4323 Restaurant Fantazia j SH41-Zues q +35567 20 71 626
Lakeside dining Restaurant Marku j Shiroke q +355 68 204 9690 Restaurant Riviera j Shiroke q +35569 262 0220 Restaurant Vataksi j Shiroke q +35569 333 4356 Restaurant Arbri j Shiroke q +35568 203 4973 Resturant Univers j Shiroke q +35569 231 3078 Restorant Simoni j Shiroke q +355674366454 Restaurant Xhaka q +35567 339 6940 Restaurant Natyra e Qete j Shiroke q +35566 700 4555 Resturant Zum Rapen j Shiroke-Zogaj q +35569 223 5420 Restaurant Real j Zogaj q +35569 426 1888 Resturant Taverna Shkodrane j Zogaj q +35569 225 9646 Restaurant Te daja j Zogaj q +35569 67 286 2521 Restaurant Vila Imperial j Zogaj q +35569 877 3338 B7 j Zogaj q +35569 570 5791
SHKODRA NIGHTLIFE Bars & Confectionary The culture of cafes and bars is notable overall Albania. The locals love to spend time in bars, watching the people around and having coffee with friends. When an Albanian says: “Let’s go for a coffee!” this does not necessarily mean that you’re expected to drink only coffee. It is just a saying to invite you for a drink. In Shkodra in the pedestrian Street of 13 Dhjetori; 28 Nentori & Kole Idromeno; Molo pedestrian street; alongside of Shkodra lake or Buna & Drini river, you can enjoy plenty of bars & cafes. You’ll find dozens of cafes, side by side and populated with people. To recommend a place is really difficult, since that the city is plenty of bars, we find useful to list some of the well known confectionary shop of the centre of the city:
Oraldi j Bulevardi Zogu i Pare; q+355682085155; Il Piacere j Bulevardi Zogu i Pare; r@ilpiacereshkoder; Bell Italia j Str. Kole Idromeno; q+35569 207 9202; La Famiglia. j Str. Kole Idromeno; q+35567 526 1459 ; Flo j Str. Kole Idromeno; q+355673961946 q+355673961946
Market-orientated prices:
Espresso 70 - 90 lek (€0.50 - €0.70) A bottle of local wine 250 - 300 lek (€ 1.85 - €2.30) A bottle of local bier in a club 250 - 400 lek (€1.85 - €3) Pack of cigarettes 300 lek (€2.30) Bread 50-70 lek (€0.37 - €0.50) Taxi ride across the city 250 - 500 lek (€1.85 - €4) Local public transport ticket 30 lek (€0.2) Exchange rate €1 = 135 lek
55 Nightlife In Shkodra, the nightlife is not so dynamic. The centre of the city is plenty of bars and clubs. Since mostly of them are located near each other, people move from bar to bar during the night to enjoy the music and bands performing there. During the summer, many of the best clubs move to the beach, creating the seasonal open air clubs and discos. If you want to have info in advances, you have to check the posters pasted to walls around the city.
Some of nightclubs and pubs in Shkodra city centre
Jubox - Te Hektori j Str. 28 nentori. q+ 355 69 545 1803 Minimal j Str. Komiteti i Kosoves q+ 35569 583 0888); Evasion Bar & Lounge j Str. Wilson q+ 35569 248 2222 B7-Lounge j Str.Wilson q+ 35569 257 6666 Retro Pub & Grill j Str. Kole Idromeno. q+35569 228 2430 Bllok Café j Str. Kole Idromeno. q+ 355697241027 Astoria Club j Str. Kole Idromeno q+355697977799 Fontana j Str. Kole Idromeno q+ 35567 223 3322 Colonial Café j Str. Kole Idromeno q+ 35569 580 8447 Vip Club Shkoder j Str.Ludovik Saraci, w vipclubshkoder Whisky Irish j Str. Hasan Riza Pasha. q+ 355686022220 Cremona j Str. Jeronim De Rada q+ 355692931129 Avatar Club j Str. Vaso Kadia q+ 355 69 966 9998 Shega e Eger j Str. Gjuhadol q+ 66 619 6553 Arka j Str. Paloke Kurti q+ 35568 407 2096
SHKODRA GETTING THERE AND AWAY
56 Emergency numbers Ambulance q127 Fire q128 Policeq 129 nt fo Poi In t s i r Tou RA SHKOD
a Rruga Teut ay day- Frid Open: Mon 9:00 0; 16:00-1 :0 4 1 0 09:0 0; :00- 13:0 9 0 y a d r Satu il.com oder@gma k h s t n i o p info
Getting there and away Shkodra links to Montenegro only through Ulcinj (except taxi services with other part of Montenegro). There is a regular bus line between Shkodra & Ulcinj, The bus station is in front of the Rozafa Hotel. Time of departures: 09:00 14:15 and 16:00. The journey takes about one hour and the fare is 5 eur. There are frequent buses and minibuses from Shkodra to Tirana running from early morning until the last bus at 17:00. The journey takes about two hours and the fare is 400 lek. The bus station is located in Sheshi Democracia (outside of Radio Shkodra). There is also one daily bus to Durres, departing Shkodra at 07:15. The journey takes 3.5 hours and the ticket costs 500 lek. From Tirana airport, a taxi all the way to Shkodra from the airport costs no more than 50 eur. The drivers of the minibuses to Tirana from Shkodra, can drop passengers at the airport on request with a 200 lek. Minibuses to Koplik, Thethi and other destinations to the north leave from Rus Maxhar, in the northern outskirt of Shkodra. The station of minibuses to the Velipoja beach is in front of Radio Shkodra. There are frequent minibuses (07:00- 19:00). The ticket costs 300 lek.
Trains: Train station address: Str. Revolucioni Antikomunist Hungarez 66 Albanian Railways don’t offer variety of different types train types, so passenger traveling by train in Albania can basically meet just one type of train- “ordinary one”. Due to various reasons rail service is quite limited. There are only 4 major lines & routes (with trains to/from Durres, Shkodra, Vlora & Elbasan). Shkodra train scheduale Shkodra- Durres (Departure at 05:30 a.m; Arrival 09:20) Durres- Shkoder (Departure at 13:30 a.m; Arrival 16:45)
Public transport The city has two bus lines. The first line runs from Bahcallek (the bridge across the Drini River) via the city centre to the Fermentim industrial area in the north of the city. The second one runs from the centre to Shiroka & Zogaj neighborhood. Buses go every 15 minutes between 06:05 and 14:00 and then every 20 minutes until 20:00. Ticket costs 30 lek, and can be bought on board.
Taxis Shkodra’s taxi stations can be found around the square Demokracia, near the Rozafa hotel, in the Boulevard Zogu i Pare and Square Skenderbeu. Rates start at 300 lek for the first 2 km. Only few drivers can speak English, that’s why, we suggest writing down the address and give it to the drivers. The licensed taxis have yellow plate colors. To call a taxi, you can contact: Ups taxi (Address: Boulevard Skenderbeu. Mob: +355 2 22 49 999
Car rental Prices for renting a car start at around 5,000 lek (€ 38) for one day. The territory is now covered with GPS, so you can easily get around. Petrol costs about 168 lek per liter. Diesel costs about167 lek per liter. To rent a car, contact: Rental Car Shkodra (Address: Paruce. Mob: +355696541111)
SHKODRA Map of Urban Areas
SHKODRA TOURIST AGENCY
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Shkodra Travel & Tours PBulevardi Zogu i Parë, Parruce q +355692087280 E info@shkodratravel.com w shkodtravel.com Albtourist RS P Perash q + 355672047310 E albturistrs@yahoo.com Agjencia Samsel P Atë Mikel Koliqi,near school Jordan Misja q +355693401789 E samsel_travel@yahoo.it w samseltravel.com Vllazen Lluja PBulevardi Zogu i Parë, Parruce q+355692061942 E vlluja@adanet.net; E vllja@yahoo.com Kopliku Travel PTheatry Migjeni, new bildings q +355673017123 E koplikutravel@yahoo.com w koplikutravel.com Labeat Travel Shkoder PStr. Qemal Dracini q + 355682031125 E info@labeattravel.com Lida Travel PPerash q +355695710192 E lidatravel1@outlook.com Adria Tours q + 355682169642 E adria_tours@hotmail.com Drita Travel Agency PBulevardi Skëndërbeu q + 355695808770 E dritashkoder@live.com w dritaonline.com Komani like PBulevardi Skendërbeu q + 355682022686 E MarioMolla@outlook.com w komanilake.com
Marco Polo Travel &Tours PBulevardi Skenderbeu, near Albtelekom q+355672056594 E mpolo.travel@gmail.com Eni Travel PStr. Kol Idromeno- Pedonale q355692074772 E enitravel@hotmail.com Point Travel PBulevardi Zogu i Pare- Parruce q+355696042138 E point-travel@hotmail.com Agjenci Camaj Travel PSquere Skendërbeu, near AMC q +355685230500 E agjensicamaj@gmail.com Coral Travel PBulevardi Skendërbeu. no. 166 q +355692051493 E coral_travel@live.com Fan Travel PBulevardi Skendërbeu. q +355673578007 E fantravelshkoder@gmail.com JAT Shkodra P Str. Clirimi q +355682368664 E jatshkodra2@yahoo.com REI Travel P Bulevardi Skendërbeu. q +355674837595 E reitravel14@hotmail.com Kalemi Travel & Tours P Bulevardi Zogu i Pare q +355696252701 E kalemishkoder@hotmail.com Indri Travel P Str. Shkoder Lezhe. Km 7 q 355698767790 E indritravel@gmail.com Eden Travel P Bulevardi Zog i Pare q +355665546892 E emigrantitravel@yahoo.it
SHKODRA TOURIST AGENCY
Rozafa Travel P Pedonale- Shkodër q +355692553512 E rozafatravel@yahoo.com Europe Travel & Tours P Str. Kol Idromenov - Pedonale q +355682131765 E bllazari@yahoo.it; E info@europatravel.al w europatravel.al Royal Travel PParrucë, near school, Ndre Mjeda q+355692651892 E royaltraveltours@hotmail.com Top Travel PParruce, near market Broci q+355682769133 E top-travel@outlook.com AL-POL PStr. Bashkimi. Nr. 120 q+355692024917 E al-pol@hotmail.com Kevin Travel PSquere Zogu I Pare; Parrucë q+355684024240 E kevin_travel@hotmail.com Agjenci Rraboshta / Gardenland Resort PNear mosques q+355692061199 E jetmira.rraboshta@hotmail.com w gardenlandresort.al Euro Travel Ptrade of exchage q+355692078810 euro-travel@live.com Top - Lines PIn front of Cinema Millenium q+355697426744 E toplinesshkoder@hotmail.com MABA q+355684663355 E m.b.aviaggi@live.it Enjoy Travelling Pnear of mosque Pijacë q+355693666057 E enjoytravelling@yahoo.com
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Kroni Travel PIn front of Branch Shkoder q+355694580330 w kronitravel.com Megs Travel PStr. Kol Idromeno- Pedonale q+355692274138 E megs-travel@hotmail.com Vau I Dejës Travel & Tours PSquere Skëndërbeu, near post q+355662020255 E vaudejestravel@yahoo.com Smajli Travel & Tours PStr. Studenti,near Squere 2 Prilli q+355697841350 E fatlumsmajli5@gmail.com Elite Agency PSquere 2 Prilli. Str. Studenti q+355663353533 elitetravel16@yahoo.com Ani TravelPSquere Skëndërbeu, q+35522250030 E anitravel@hotmail.com Rozafa Travel & Tours PStr. Vasil Shanto q+355692136607 rozafatravel@yahoo.com Gloria TravelPTree Herojtë, q+355672192253 E gloriatravel@live.com North Albania Travel Agency PSquere Skëndërbeu, q+355682003393 E rorupaog@yahoo.com w northalbania.com Alba Trans PSquere Skëndërbeu, q+35569202119 E ritvan_uesaer@hotmail.com Agjencia Preval PStr. Selaudin Bekteshi q+355692029029 E info@prevalcenter.com Hermes Lines PStr. Vojo Kushi, near Theatry Migjeni q+355672023167
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SHKODRA SHOPPING Shopping Shkodra doesn’t have a shopping centre. If you want to go for shopping, Square: Zogu i Pare (Parruce); street of 13 Dhjetori till the street Kole Idromeno and Gjuhadol are plenty of all kind of shops. If you are looking to buy something as a souvenir from Shkodra, we recommend you: Venice Art Mask Factory P(Address: Lin Delia. q+355682047291). Here you can find hand crafted Venetian masks in the on-site workshop; souvenir shop Komi. P(Address: Sheshi Dugajt e Reja. q+355 69 204 6599) where you can find postcards and handmade traditional craft souvenirs; Mjeda workshop hand manufacturing of the textile products, a family who inherited this craft for more than 150 years; P(Address: Bulevardi Skenderbeu. q+355693403992); the city centre is plenty of art galleries, where you can find traditional style painting; farmer markets are located at the Rus & Zdrale area. Do not come back to your home without Tarabosh tobacco and Skenderbeg Cognac.
VELIPOJA
VELIPOJA
64
Velipoja lies 30 km southwest Shkodra, in the wide plain of Velipoja washed by Adriatic Sea; near the border with Montenegro, with whom it separates by Buna River and its outlet.
Velipoja is one of the most attractive tourist destinations of the region. It is known for the clean sea, curative sand, lagoon with a variety of creatures, dense forest vegetation, magnificent mountain, river Buna and the hospitality of local residents. The history of Velipoja is ancient. Numerous historical facts, as archeological findings point to the population of this area since the early periods. Once you approach the beach of Velipoja you immediately feel the smell of iodine to its curative sand, which marks out this beach from others. Many visitors come to Velipoja precisely to exploit this quality, but without forgetting to visit other natural beauties of this area too. Velipoja sandy beach lies at a length of 14 km, 200 m wide with tiny sand, starting from the estuary of Buna and to the place called Rana e Hedhun. It is known as “healing sand� due to its curative peculiarities. The beach regenerates every year by the high tide and ebb tide, leading to high percentage of iodine in the sand.
VELIPOJA Managed Natural Reserve of Velipoja and the Buna Prodelta The Velipoja wetland complex with a surface of 8.2 km has the shape of a triangle in the Buna delta east of the Buna River. About 6.4 km are fenced and protected as Managed Natural Reserve. The adjacent 2 prodelta areas on both sides of the river cover 8 km with a depth reaching 25 m. The wetland system is based on alluvial depositions forming a delta-like plain of 3 to 10 km length. It represents the remaining part of the 2 former large swamps of about 23 km of Viluni, Pentari and Reรงi. The system was closely fused with the freshwater marshes of Domni, Torrovica and Zadrima, from which only parts of Domni and Murteme survived. We find here a wealth of mosaic habitats with a rich biodiversity, from fresh and saline water bodies to open sandy dunes, from submerged vegetation to old alluvial forests and from numerous invertebrates to 2 endangered groups of birds. About 3.5 km of the reserve are covered with forests, the rest are marshlands canopied up to 60% with aquatic vegetation.
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VELIPOJA
66 The Delta of Buna / Bojana Nestling between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic in the southwest section of the Balkan Green Belt lies the largest remaining wetland on the Adriatic Flyway a magnificent suite of natural landscapes in the border areas between Montenegro and Albania. It is the Bojana-Buna Delta with its salt flats at Ulcinj and Lake Skadar further inland. The delta has been formed by the masses of sediment brought in by the river Buna and the regime of the sea waves, which is governed mainly by strong winds. The dynamic of the delta
is rather low when compared to other Mediterranean deltas. The estimated loss encompasses about 1 to 1.5 km in the past 100 years. The mouth of the river moved and became oriented more towards the Viluni lagoon. The Buna delta is the most important habitat for the protection of fish. It is the entrance to Lake Shkodra, which is important as food source. Three species of sturgeon (Acipenser spp.) are key indicators of the high value in the riverine corridor. At least 50 fish species have been recorded in the Buna mouth.
The island Franz Joseph (4.5 ha in size), is reached by crossing the reserve about 3.2 km distant from the main entrance. Due to marine erosion, the island often changes its shape and size. The name originates from the Austrian ship Franz Joseph which sank there at the end of the 19 century. The island is famous for its rare flora and fauna and for the strictly protected borderland. Forest spots with poplar and alder cover its surface besides large aquatic reed beds. A specialty is the rare and notably hygrophilous oak tree. For its natural and biodiversity values, the island belongs to the checklist of Natural Monuments of Albania.
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VELIPOJA
VELIPOJA 67
Viluni Lagoon
Viluni Lagoon The Viluni wetland system including its marshes covers a total area of 216.3 km. It is situated about 2 km east of the Velipoja beach and 7 km away from the Buna estuary. It is bordered on the south with the village of Rrjolli, on the east with the Black Peak, on the north with the village of Velipoja and on the west with the sea. The Viluni lagoon is a large water body with a surface of 3.9 km. It is 3 km long and 0.9 km wide and represents the remaining part after the drainage of the former large wetland complex of Pentari – Domni – Murteme - Velipoja. Viluni is the most important transitional habitat in the whole Velipoja complex. The typical coastal lagoon is separated from the sea by two long shore barriers. It is characterized by mostly shallow water of 0.8 to 1 m depth. It is connected with the sea by a channel, 300 m long and 30 to 40 m wide, and of 2 m depth, by which the brackish water exchanges with the seawater with a periodicity of the tide of 6 hours. Regarding to fauna, this lagoon is otherwise called “the restaurant” of fish, because there are several types and
in a considerable amount. The most typical fishes of this lagoon and the most important are: eel, mullet, bass and the flatfish as well as several types of mussels. Flora is rich; it has some types of algae and other rare plants. The lagoon is also visited by poultries. Here are some types of flintlocks, ducks, also pelicans and some rare poultries. The lagoon is protected and it is connected to the sea through the outfall of boats. It has this name because years ago here stood a lot of boats .
VELIPOJA
68 The Baks- Rrjoll coastal zone The zone extends along 11 km of the coast, from Viluni to Rana e Hedhun and passes the Baks Rrjolli village to the southern part of the Rrenci Mountain. It forms a specific combination of habitats along the coast with karstic caves, mountain slopes, sandy dunes, alluvial forests, tamarisk marshes, interstitial pools combined with a fine beach (total area 11 km)
Rana e Hedhun Rana e Hedhun (2.5 km north of Shengjin) lies at the foot of the Rrenci Mountain. It represents an active dune of 50 m in height, 600 m in length and 100 m in width, accumulated by the wind on the rocky coast. For its special shape it was added to the checklist of Natural Monuments of Albania. The zone is a typical virgin Mediterranean landscape with dolphins feeding near the coast and the golden eagle breeding on the karst galleries of the Rrenci Mountain.
Practical
on
informati
nt- VELIPOJĂ‹ Tourist Info Poi n Lulit Str. Rruga e Gjo Main Boulevard ctober Period: May- O Friday y Open: Monda :00-19:00 16 09:00- 13:00; 0- 13:00; Saturday- 09:0 l.com tvelipoje@gmai e-mail: infopoin
Rana e Hedhun
Transport There are no regular lines from Shkodra to Velipoja. There are minibuses or buses, which departures per hour during the season (Minibus ticket costs 200 lek; Bus ticket costs 100 lek). Bus Station Velipoja- Kosovo is located in front of Hotel Holiday - SH27
The Baks- Rrjoll coastal zone Photo O. Llalla
VELIPOJA WHERE TO STAY
70 Where to stay in Velipoja Vila Tufi j Str.No. 1, q+35567 289 4427 E vilatufi@gmail.com, r@vilatufi w apathotelvilatufi.com Hotel Bora Bora j Str.No. 1, q +35567 3158811 E info@boravelipoja.com, w boravelipoja.com Velipoja Grand Europa Resort j Str.No.1 q +355 69 20 41 007, E administrator@europagrandhotel.com, w velipojagrandeuroparesort.com Hotel Bellavista j Str. No. 1 q +35569 229 4415 r@Hotel.Bellavista.Velipoje Hotel Brian j Str.No. 2, q+355673073717, E alsona2005@t-online.de, r@brianhotel Hotel Gonaj j Str.No.2, q +355 68 257 2750, r@hotelgonaj Hotel Lakaj j Str.No.2, q +35567 351 0400 E kristian@lakajhotels.com, r kristianlakajhotels, w lakajhotels.com. Hotel Vivian j Str.No.2, q +35567 396 5955. E hotelvivian@gmail.com. w hotelvivian.webs.com Kraja Residence j Str.No.2, q +35567 206 7775, E krajaresidence@gmail.com Hotel Orant j Str.No.3, q +355 68 208 5193 Hotel Gjoleka j Str.No.3, q +355 69 209 7007 Kompleksi Devi j Str. No. 3, r@kompleksidevi Hotel Princi i vogël j Str.No.4, q +355 69 209 3569 E bujanahoti@yahoo.com, w booking.albanianwatersports.com Hotel Temali 2 j Str. N.5, q +35568 366 7468 Hotel Silbela j Str.No.6, q +355 68 322 0986
Hotel Plaza j Str.No.6, q +355 69 654 4461, r@PlazaHotelAL Hotel Velipoja j Str. No.7, q +355682085151, E hotelvelipoja@gmail.com w hotelvelipoja.eu Hotel Semanaj j Str. No.7, q +355692459522, E info@hotelsemanaj.com w hotelsemanaj.com Hotel Almen j Str. No. 7, q +35569 233 1527 Hotel Rilindja j Str. No. 7, q +355 67 308 0903. w hotelrindja.com Hotel Perdja j Str. No. 8, Velipojë. q +355692184069;r@HotelPerdja Hotel Selita j Str.No. 8, q +355672341490, r@hotelselita, selitahotel.webs.com Hotel Renti j Str. No. 8, q +35566 207 7720 Hotel London j Pashko Selita q +355 692 095772, E info@londonhotel-al.com, w londonhotel-al.com Hotel Center Park j Pashko Selita q +355 67 288 0560 Kompleksi Argenti j Pashko Selita q +355692055067, E info@kompleksi-argenti.com w kompleksi-argenti.com Kompleksi Jakaj j Pashko Selita q +355672879814, r@kompleksijakaj Hotel OAZ j Str. No. 8 q +35567 391 7162 E oazlounge@hotmail.com Hotel Aldisi j Str. No.8, q +355674199209 Hotel KING’s Star j Str. No. 8, Velipojë q +355684031160. r@KingsStarHotel Hotel Aquarius j SH27 q +31623310637, E info@hotel-aquariusvelipoje.nl w hotel-aquariusvelipoje.nl Hotel Holiday j SH27 q +35567 223 9690, r@edi.frroku.98
VELIPOJA WHERE TO STAY Hotel Mesdheu j SH27 q +3556962254322. E mesdheu_velipoje@yahoo.com Kompleksi Muja j SH27 q +355692088900. w kompleksi-muja-velipoje.com Hotel Viktoria j SH27 q +35567 365 1931, E adriatikprela@yahoo.com Hotel Valz j Str. Ura e Gjon Lulit q +355692085830, E info@hotelvalz.com, r@hotelvalz,hotelvalz.com Hotel Peja j Str. Pedonale q +35569213181 E hotelpeja@gmail.com Hotel Freskia j Str. Pedonale q +35568 330 1300 E hotelfreskia@gmail.com w hotel-freskia.com Hotel Fantazia j Str. Pedonale q +355672556622, E info@hotelfantazia.com w hotelfantazia.com Hotel Erjani j Str. Pedonale E +35569 382 5163, r@erjanihotel Hotel Bristol j Str. Pedonale q +355692216616 Hotel Kamberi-A j Str. Pedonale q +35568 572 0800 Hotel Godija & Suites j Str. Preke Frani q +355672782735 E info@hotelgodija.com, r@hotelgodija w hotelgodija.com Hotel Nicolo j Str. Preke Frani q +355672677969. w hotelnicolo.com Hotel Zmerina j Str. No. 9, q +35567 513 3268, E zmerina.velipoje@hotmail.co.uk Hotel Qetesia q +355 67 30 94 530 E danivildan@hotmail.com, w hotelqetesia.weebly.com Hotel Albania j Str.No.9, q +35567 395 7464, E info@hotelalbania
71 Hotel Droni j Str. No. 9, VelipojĂŤ. q +355672231588. E indritdani@hotmail.com Hotel ADRIATIK j Str. No.10, q +35569 274 5478 Hotel Leonardo j Str. No.10, q +35569 274 5478 Hotel Arda j Str. No. 10, q +35569 975 5683. E indritdani@hotmail.com Hotel Aleksi j Str. No. 10, q +355 67 300 0209 Hotel Delfinet j Str.No. 12, q +35567 388 3775, E resortdelfinet@gmail.com Hotel Piano j Str.No. 13, q +35569 414 0255, E info@hotelpianovelipoje.com, w hotelpianovelipoje.com Hotel Jurgen j Vilu, q +355673647519, E kujtim.mehja@hotmail.com Hotel Dragoi Mbreteror j Vilu VelipojĂŤ q +35569 322 4664 E dragoi-mbreteror@libero.it. w roomsdragoimbreteror.com Hotel Rozafa j Vilu q +35567 281 4526, E sai.mir1@hotmail.com, whotel-rozafa.blogspot.al Hotel Globi j Str. Aleks Nika, q +355686429107, E globi.al@libero.it hotelglobi.it Hotel Real q +355 69 20 91 707, E hotelreal01@gmail.com Hotel As j Rrjoll q +35569 761 2482 r HotelAsRrjollVelipoje E hotelasrrjoll@gmail.com www.hotelasrrjoll.com Hotel Xhilda j Rrjoll q +35569 459 4258 r HotelXhilda E riccardolimaci@gmail.com
VELIPOJA WHERE TO EAT
72 Where to eat: There are a lot of restaurants with pictures views of nature and the sea, where you can try different cuisine: Albanian, Italian and the cuisine of different countries of the Balkan. The products are organic and come directly from fishing or from villages nearby. Having a very suitable nature for agricultural cultivation and rearing of animals, local products are very delicious in cooking and are grown without chemicals. Prices in these restaurants are competitive and suit to all budgets.
Suggested beaches & restaurants Ada Beach Restaurant j Str.No.1, q + 35567 303 5960 Grand Europa Resort j Str.No.1 q +355 69 20 41 007 Restaurant Elita j Str.No.4, q +35567 303 5960 Restaurant Te Rexhepi j Str. SH27, q +355692844339 La Maroja Beach & Restaurant j Str.Pedonale q +35567 480 2637; Godija Restaurant j Str. Preke Frani, q +355672782735
Laguna Beach & Restaurant j Vilu q +35567 293 1152 Viluni Beach & restaurant j Vilu w @vilunibeachvelipoje Restaurant Shpija e Peshkatarit j Vilu q +35567350225 Ibiza Beach & Restaurant j Rrjoll r bizaresort Restaurant Pirati j Rrjoll q+355 68 203 0763
VELIPOJA ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
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There are plenty of surprises for young people. Nightlife in Velipoja is animated with the opening of disco-clubs which operate throughout the night. Young people gather for fun in night clubs until late at night enjoying the freshness of summer evenings, drinks and music performed by domestic familiar singer and foreign ones. Avatar Club. j Vilu, q +355699669998 For elderly, the evening offers quiet walks near the coast or enjoyable restaurant food often accompanied with live music from guest artists. Children can enjoy the playground parks & water sport academy with tuition sessions for them. Outdoor walks & running are part of the morning or evening entertainment. You can explore the nature in managed natural reserve of Velipoja; visit the lagoon of Vilun, estuary of Buna River, marsh of Domni or Rana e Hedhur. For those who want to keep fit, can climb the mountain Black Peak to feel the fresh air and observe the scenic view from above. You can enjoy a range of activities in the crystalline water of the beach. Underwater diving and swimming are among the most favorite water sports, but you can also go cycling or boating or do other sports that will enhance the pleasure of your vacation at the beach. Sea shore is shallow giving you the opportunity to develop different games and spending hours in the pleasant sea freshness. The area has a good variety of choices when it comes to fishing. Passionate fishermen can go for fishing mostly in the lagoon of Vilun; Duna River Delta or take a boat and fish everywhere; Hunting is also a traditional sport activity in Velipoje. The best place is the national reserve park area, about 700 ha, home to more than 180 different species of birds. (Please follow strictly the local regulations for hunting in this area). Bird watching tours are available at the site as well; Windsurfing; Kite surfing; Stand up Paddling; Kayaking; Water boarding; Waterskiing; Jet Skiing; Snorkeling;
(more info for sport activities & equipment rentals: w albanianwatersports.com. q +355 68 201 0811) Your holidays will be filled with other pleasures that will be an unforgettable experience for you. From Velipoja or Rrjolli beach you can visit the historic city of Shkodra, Shkodra’s Lake with the small quarters (villages) Shiroka & Zogaj or Albanian Alps. Local tourist operators have prepared attractive tour packages for you.
Camping Sites: Laguna e Vilunit Camping j Vilu, q +355 67 234 1386, w laguna.com; Clandestino Camping j Baks Rrjoll q+355 69 381 2054 rclandestinocamping Laguna Vilun
Theth, Jezerca
THETHI
THETHI
76 Thethi- Albanian Alps ‘I think no place where human beings live has given me such an impression of majestic isolation from the entire world. It is a spot where the centuries shrivel; the river might be the world’s well-spring, its banks the fit home of elemental instincts–passions that are red and rapid.’- ” Edith Durham” Theth, 70 km from the centre of Shkodra has been declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. The community is at the centre of the Theth National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The area of Theth has a surface of 2,630 ha, from which, 1,680 hectares are forest and the other part is pasture and rocky surfaces. Theth is the only National Park in Shkodra Region and also the second largest National Park in Albania. It is 740-950 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Albanian Alps, with a height up to the 2.694 meters of Mount Jezerca, which is Albania’s highest peak, lying just outside the park at the north of the valley, followed by Peja Pass (1776 m), the Dry Peak (2543 m), the pass of Lugu i Valit, the saddle of Zhapora, the peaks of Papluka (2569m) and Alije (2471m), the saddle of Valbona (1876 m) and Mt Valbona (1966 m) at the east, the wooded Mt Zorgji at the south (1663 m), Mt Arapi (2217 m), Mt Boshi (2415 m), Shtegu i Dhenve (‘Goat’s Track’, 2104 m), and Mt Radohima (2567 m) at the west. Almost two thirds of the parks are covered in trees; in many places, the steep wooded terrain is inaccessible to humans as to be considered ‘primeval forest. The area is crossed by a water network that flows from both eastern and
western slopes in the valley. The River Theth rises from several different sources and streams above Okol. Following tahe path in an easterly direction, one arrives at a cascading waterfall. Further downstream at Ndërlysa, the River Theth merges with Lumi i Zi (‘Black River’), which in its upper stream consists of a raging torrent which carves a path through the rocks before reaching the tranquil lowlands and merging with the Theth to become the River Shala, which ultimately flows into the Drin. The river of Theth is crystal clear and foamy in some places. It flows with a range of 1000-1300 l/sec and an average water temperature of 7ºC. One of the most distinguished properties of this river is the abundance of mountain trout. Theth has over 80 water sources and three waterfalls, and they all flow to the river. There are also many springs of water named ‘Okol’, ‘Nikgjonaj’ etc. ‘Grunas Waterfall’ and ‘Gjeçaj Waterfall’ are two of the most sensational spectacles of the National Park of Theth. They originate from rocky parts of the mountains around the park. The height of the first one reaches 30 meters of root water and the second 24 meters. The temperatures range from +20º C to +26º C in June and go down to -14ºC and -20ºC in the freezing winters. The snow stands more on the slopes, largely in the western part where the sun falls less during the day. Theth has 110 sunny days per year. This diversity of habitats which is closely related to the mountainMediterranean climate has created through centuries a rich diversity of flora and fauna in the region of Theth. The National Park recorded the existence of at least 1650 plant species. The main species of mammals encountered here include deer, wolf, fox, brown bear, lynx, otter, wild pig, wild rabbit, wild goat, jackal, and hedgehog. Bird species include the golden eagle, snake eagle, honey buzzard, peregrine falcon, rock partridge, owl, Eurasian eagle owl and the snow finch. Among the amphibians there are the alpine salamander (southern most distribution), fire salamander,yellowbellied toad and fire bellied toad. The rich fauna include the fence lizard, green lizard, and Greek tortoise and snakes such as the true vipers including the poisonous horned viper and adder. Many species of butterflies are found, which makes Theth one of the richest area in Europe for butterflies.
THETHI
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Waterfall of Grunas One of the most exceptional natural beauties in the Albanian Alps is the Grunas waterfalls, which has been declared as a natural monument under state protection. The Grunasi waterfall with its thin body over 30 meters high, together with circuses around the Flour Mill, form one of the most interesting places to be visited by every tourist who visits Theth. The waterfall of Thethi has a particular feature, the fact that all its water derives entirely from a rock and snow water. For mountain climbers who can visit the source is a special miracle that is not found in any waterfall in Europe.
Grunas Canyon The Grunas Canyon, a natural monument, can be found on the south side of the Thethi Park. The Grunas Canyon has vast carbon formations. The canyon is around 2 km long and 60 meters deep, and varies from 2-3 meters to 30-40 meters wide. There is an incomparable beauty and all the time there is enough water to canoe sailing fans. The water of the Thethi River is crystal clear at any time and very cold. The visits to the site are not advised without local guides or it is advisable that the visit be in groups. The Grunas Canyon was and remains a challenge for all foreign and Albanian tourists that are passionate about canyons.
Stone bathtubs in Nderlysa Stone bathtubs in Nderlysa are rocky formations created by the abundant flow of black river that descends from the village of Kapre.
Grunas Canyon
Stone bathtubs in Nderlysa
THETHI Blue Eye of Kaprre The location of this beauty is down on Kaprre, one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps. To reach the Blue Eye you must pass one of the rare beauties that are the Grunas Canyon of Theth, one of the pearls of the canyons in the entire country. If you are descended from Thethi, once you pass the Grunas canyon, down to Electric Plant of Ndërlysa and walks straight over the side village of Kaprre until you reaches the Black Well, which is formed by the Black River which comes down from Kaprreja. The Blue Eye is one of the rare beauties of the entire Albania. It is formed from the Black River, which flaw out from the Black Top. The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of rock by the water that descends from the mountains. The Black Well is about 100 m2 and about 3 to 5 meters of depth. The Black River is entirely formed from the melting snow in the Alps. Any tourist (of any age) can go to the Blue Eye because the road lay in a plain valley. Along the way you have to bear in mind to follow the signs that are made by local residents.
Harap Peak Cave Harap Peak Cave is found at 840 m above the sea level at Theth. It is a carstic cave formed in the limestone rocks of the Western Albanian Alps.
The lock in tower The lock in tower (Tower of Nikoll Koceku) is a unique monument in the whole Albania. It is a tower where are reconciled a lot of conflicts, from all the area of Shale. The impressive stone tower is referred to locally as Kulla e ngujimit, lock-in tower, because of its history. The Albanian Kanun, Code of Leke Dukagini (an ancient code of law) not only sets forth in detail how an Albanian is supposed to treat guests but also, strict rules for vengeance killing. Someone is allowed to kill another person to avenge an earlier murder or moral humiliation. There are strict rules on how this may be carried out and a revenge killing of women, children or elderly persons is strictly prohibited. (Time of visit: Mondays- Sundays 09:00- 16:00. Admission fee- 150 lek) .
Thethi
THETHI
80 The Church of Thethi The Church of Thethi was built in 1892. During the construction period, attached to the east wall was also the presbytery, where the priest used to live. The habitants of Thethi, from its inheritance, have been Roman Catholics. So, one of the first buildings here was the church. One of the most legendary priests, not only for Theth and the Catholic Church, but the whole of Albanian culture was Father Shtjefen Gjeรงovi.
THETHI Ethnographic Museum of Thethi (house of Lulash Boshi)
At the valley of Thethi, one can see buildings made of stone, standing tall and strong, which are known for their defensive character. One of the more unique towers is the tower of Lulash Keq Boshi, which was build at the top of a jagged rock, 9 meters tall, which is connected to the rock in an organic and functional way. The tower is placed near the fertile soil with a minimal construction which is a helpful environment for the growth of cereals. The tower is a semi floor with a horizontal expansion of 87 m2. On the north-west side, it’s the way to the underground floor where the cattle are kept. On the surfaces of the first floor is the floor where you enter the building through some stone stairs. On the south-west side of the wall is found the small window called frangjia, which is built functionality and architecturally wise. Frangjia is a solid construction worked with sculpted rock that comes out of the tower walls. In addition to the below floor, where is the room where the family stay, it’s also found the guest room, which is higher up from the floor where the family lives. An unusual element of the guest room is the fact that it has a fireplace, wooden ceiling and is treated with a lot of care. Usually this room is nicer than other areas of the building. This shows the Albanian tradition of preparing the best for guests. (Time of visit: MondaysSundays 09:00- 16:00. Admission fee- 150 lek).
Code of Lekë Dukagjini Code of Lekë Dukagjini was a set of traditional laws passed on from one generation to another and not codified, written down and printed until 1933. The Kanun of Lek
81 Dukagjini as the customary law of Northern Albania is the most unique aspect of this Albanian part of society. This Kanun sets up the rules, upon which the culture is based, focusing on the concepts of honor, like hospitality and besa, and the topmost of the society, is Family. This ancient legal code defines the Albanian character, even today. It prevented assimilation throughout history, and continues to do so. The Kanun of Leke Dukagjini is the most distinguishing feature of the Albanian culture. The preservation of customary law was one of the most important elements in helping the Albanian people to maintain their individuality under Ottoman domination. The Code of Lek Dukagjini is the body of “customary law” under which Albanians, particularly the northern clans, have conducted their lives. Not only did the Common Law provide enforceable legal mechanisms which ensured a relatively normal evolution of society and the normality of the economy, social and family relations, it also provided mechanisms for organizing local government and for the settlement of disputes. The Franciscan friar Shtjefën Gjeçovi (1874-1929) not only collected the epic verse of the mountains of Albania; he also codified the Kanun, which until that time existed only as an oral tradition, thereby rescuing these works for posterity.
THETHI WHERE TO STAY
82 The Songs of the Frontier Warriors The Songs of the Frontier Warriors are the best-known cycle of northern Albanian epic verse and one of the masterpieces of the spiritual cultural heritage of Albania. Still sung by elderly men playing the onestringed “lahuta,” these epic rhapsodies are the literary reflections of legends portraying and glorifying the heroic feats of warriors of the past. The main cycle, that of “Mujo and Halili,” preserves much of the flavor of other heroic cultures such as those mirrored in Homer’s Iliad in Greek.
l Practica
tion
informa
oint- THETH Tourist Info P kryesor eshi Str. Fushë Sh hi (Ura e Thet t) ober Oct Period: May- riday-09:00- 14:00 -F ay d Open: Mon ail.com inttheth@gm po fo e-mail: in
Transport There are minibuses from Shkodra to Thethi which departures almost per hour during the season (Minibus ticket costs 700 lek. Station Shkodra- Theth is located in in the quarter of Rus Str. Hysen Lacej. In Theth, the departure is in front of Info Point. Almost all the guest houses and accommodation’s unit offer even the transport for their guests.
Where to stay in Theth: You are welcome to experience the long tradition of hospitality of the families in Theth. A stay in their historical houses offers you the possibility to get to know the typical and traditional way of rural living together with Albanian families. The offer of accommodation in local private houses has been improved during the years to satisfy the expectations of guests. Camping sites are also available on the spot. A list of accommodations in Theth is provided as below:
Guest house & Farm Dede Nika j Nderlyse q:+355693346423 E nikashpk@yahoo.com; 16 Guest house Preke Bjeshka j Nderlyse q +355685690845 E prekbjeshka@yahoo.com ; 36 Guest house Arben Marashi j Nderlyse q+355683133900 E klaudiamarashi@yahoo.com ; 12 Guest house Gezim Stani j Nderlyse q +355685825221 16 Guest house Marjan Cardaku j Nderlyse q +35568520391 15 Guest house Gjon Shpella j Kolaj q +355693774851 E shpellafamily@gmail.com; 36 Guest house Martin Gjoni j Kolaj q:+355692083126 10 Guest house Gjergj Gerla j Ndrejaj q +355685585688 E nduegerla@hotmail.com; 10 Guest house Lek Gerla j Ndrejaj q+355682301955 E nduegerla@hotmail.com; 10 Guest house Pavlin Polia j Ndrejaj q+355693016781 E pavpolia@gmail.com; 35 Guest house Pal Rupa j Ndrejaj q+355682003393 E rorupa@yahoo.com; 18 Guest house Gjovalin Lokthi j Ndrejaj; q +355682393992; 10
THETHI WHERE TO STAY Guest house Gjergj Harusha j Centre q +355685397605; 24 E pellumbharusha@hotmail.com; Guest house Prel Harusha j Centre q +355682138902; 19 E arushaf@yahoo.com; Guest house Prek Harusha j Centre q +355692770294; 35 Guest house Blerim Gurra j Centre q +355672931302; 12 E gurraqendertheth@yahoo.com Guest house Ndoc Gjecaj j Centre q +355692046333 E villagjecaj@gmail.com; 18 Guest house Gjon Gjecaj j Centre q +355699194521 40 Guest house Zorgji j Centre q + 355682319610 25 Guest house Fran Breisha j Centre q + 355688418634 40 Guest house Adrian Breisha j Centre q +355672836950; 10 Guest house Gjin Thana j Centre q+ 355683029375; 11 Guest house Ndue Blini j Centre q + 355682338495; 10 Guest house Terthorja j Gjecaj q + 355683644788; E ithertorja@yahoo.com; 10 Guest house Prek Terthorja j Gjecaj q + 355683644788; E ithertorja@yahoo.com; 11 Guest house Dritan Terthorja j Gjecaj q +355695615303; E ithertorja@yahoo.com; 11 Guest house Rrok Molla j Gjecaj q+ 3355698662228; E rajmondmolla@gmail.com; 10 Guest house Astrit Vidhi j Gjecaj; q+ 355683241330; 12 Guest house Bec Vidhi j Gjecaj; q + 355682302928; 11
83 Guest house Gjon Franishta j Gjecaj; q + 355693395117; 30 Guest house Lek Franishta j Gjecaj; q + 355683356741; 14 Guest house Mhill Carku j Gjecaj; q + 355693164211; 30 Guest house Kroi i Micanit j Gjecaj; q + 355693595906; 13 Guest house Vellezerit Guri j Gjecaj; q + 355686775400; 40 Hotel Lleshi j Gjecaj; q + 355683241330; 60 Guest house Alpbes j Okol; q + 355682374727 E alpbes@gmail.com; 25 Guest house Mirash Kometa j Okol; q + 355682472458; 25 Guest House Kulla e Sadri Lukes j Okol; q + 355682191405; 25 Guest house Lek Shkafja j Gjelaj; q + 355693269809; E lek.shkafja@gmail.com; 30 Guest House Ndue Shyti j Gjelaj; q + 355686759200; 10 Guest House Tom Shyti j Gjelaj; q + 355685829567; 7 Guest House Marash Rrgalla j Gjelaj; q + 355682543204; 15 Guest House Luigj Shyti j Gjelaj; q + 355692465784; 9 Guest House Gjin Prrocka j Ulaj; q + 355685156915; 10 Guest House Zaraklis j Ulaj; q + 355682220586; 12 Guest Pashko Pisha j Ulaj; q+ 355693256415; 33 Guest house Blue Eye j Kaprre; q + 355682919392 E kosurijona@yahoo.com; 15 Thethi Paradise j Gjelaj; q + 355684861598 E info@thethiparadise.com; 23
THETHI WHERE TO EAT
84 There are a few bar/restaurants in the village; we can suggest you: Restaurant Bjeshket e Namuna j Okol; q+355682043741; Thethi Paradise j Gjecaj;q+355684861598; Restaurant Zorgji ;q+355682319610; Restaurant Zaraklis j Ulaj; q+355682220586, Restaurant of Ded Gjoni in the quarter Nikgjonaj on the way to Valbona valley. These restaurants offer a traditional menu, coffees and fresh drinks! A modest fish restaurant is placed in Nderlysa village, on the way to the ‘Blue Eye’ destination, 1.5h from Thethi center. A simple bar that offers express coffee and fresh drinks is just in the cross way in the entrance of the valley just once you pass the big bridge, known as ‘Blerim’s Bar’. Nevertheless every guesthouse offers the restaurant service on its place with a fix daily menu for a recompense of 5 to 10 Euros per person. Traditional food with homemade products, Albanian pie ‘byrek’, ‘maza’ or different recipes with fresh vegetables from the garden are usual in this area.
THETHI EXCURSIONS, SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT The excursionist that seeks to discover Theth will not be disappointed at all. There he can find natural landscapes to breathtaking, inebriating flower fragrances and melodious chirps of birds. No doubt, Theth’s tourist offer is very rich. Tourists can feel the pure nature, discover a new culture, recover the soul and relax the body. If you are in search of the unknown, Theth will give you the pleasure of the adventure that all your being will perceive and enjoy. Everyone, adults and juveniles, young and less young, sports types or those who seek for quiet, in Theth can find something special… or everything! Excursions for the entire family, climbing, water activities – fishing / swimming / rowing, biking, speology and rock climbing, walking on snow, walking / marching and hunting are some of the activities you can do in Theth.
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DAILY TRIP The castle of Shurdhah
SHKODRA DAILY TRIP Reçi
Reçi, an agro tourism attraction – is a small village, 2 km from the main road Koplik-Dedaj-Boge of Shkreli Regional Nature Park. The road begins through fields planted with hetero-oiled plants and the landscape is rich in hills and high mountains. Slowly the hills get near and in front of you appear a dense forest with chestnut, in an area of450 ha with about 30.000 roots. The extensive chestnut trees testify that they are there for centuries. Walks in the fresh air under the shade of the chestnut are a good cure against the stress. You can enjoy a marked chestnut trail passing through the chestnut forest and rural landscape of the village and taste typical dishes served in the many restaurants of the area. (Road: Shkodra-Koplik- Rec/ 28 km. Minibus station: Squere: Ura e Maxharit).
87 karst holes covered by alpine meadows. It is known for its very good and curative climate. The relief consists of mountains and high mountain ridges, beautiful fields, holes, funnel and karst caves. The mountain ridge Veleçik (1724 m) – Kunora (1713 m) in the northern part of Razma and Kunora – Zagora (1862 m) in its east have touristic values for hiking and alpinism. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the interesting karst caves of Shtogu, Pllumbave, Sheeps and the cave of Water in Ljus. The impressive mountain landscape of oak and pine forests, getting different colours in different seasons, make this area very picturesque. The diversity of animals and wild birds is a good opportunity for hunting lovers.This mountain pasture is a favourite place to be visited during the winter and summer. Here you can hike, have picnics in the floral meadows, organize different games, explore caves or skiing. Accommodation here can be found in small rural hotels or you may set up tents in the campsite. Don’t miss the traditional cuisine and the typical products of the area. (Road: Shkodra-Koplik - Dedaj - Vrith Razma/40 km. Minibus station: Squere: Ura e Maxharit)
Boga
Razma
Razma lies at an altitude of 900-950 m on a karst plateau, which represents amazing contrasts in relief, between pyramidal peaks, in most of the forested and
It is a village surrounded by the Alps and described by Edith Durham in her book, “The Burden of the Balkans.” It is here that the wealthy families of Shkodra built their houses and villas to rest and escape the
SHKODRA DAILY TRIP
88 city before the Second World War. The valley of Boga starts in Perroi i Thate till Qafe Thore with an attitude of 1700 m. Boga is the perfect place for mountain climbing, skiing, and cave spelunking. Among the most famous caves, visitors often delve into the Cave of Mulliri (Mill), Akullore (Ice Cream), and NjerĂŤzve tĂŤ lagun (Wet People). The Cave of Puci is one of the most attractive, situated 1,087 m above sea level and 5 km deep. This cave is rich in stalactites, stalagmites, and wall veils, and branches into many different levels, five alone at the center. Passing through its curved galleries you can walk into the next cave, the Cave of Husi. (Road: Shkodra-Koplik- Dedaj-Xhaj-Boge/ 47 km. Minibus station: Sheshi Ura e Maxharit)
Vermosh
Another interesting spot of the Western Alps is Vermosh, located in the northern-most Mountains of Albania, 95 km from Shkodra in the region of Kelmend. The first thing that catches your eye along the journey is Qafa e Rrapshit, where you can see the crystal-clear waters of the Cemi River creating a beautiful contrast with the surrounding landscape. During summer, the ponds of the river are perfect for sunbathing and many visitors stop to lounge in the sun and enjoy themselves. Vermosh stands in an alpine field 1,100 m above sea level surrounded by high slopes. You can entertain yourself by trekking, mountain climbing, skiing, or fishing for mountain trout.The locals pride themselves that their cuisine is only truly enjoyable for visitors
when accompanied by their own dairy products, so be sure to indulge. A real journey among the people of this region will give you not only the chance to experience a world located between traditional village life and contemporary society, but will also let you enjoy the hospitality renowned by almost every visitor who has been fortunate enough to visit. (Road: Shkodra-Koplik- Bajze-TamareSelce-Vermosh/ 97 km. Minibus station: Sheshi Ura e Maxharit)
Medieval Sarda The castle of Shurdhah is situated on a rocky hill at the right bank of Drini River. Sarda was founded in the 6th-8th century BC. Here have been discovered ruins of a Roman fortress. According to the mythology, the ancient city had 365 altars; each dedicated to a specific saint. The greatest flourish of the city of Sarda (Shurdhah) was in the 10th century. Around 1184, the city was invaded by the Serbs. Later on, it was under the jurisdictions of the Albanian feudal family of Dukagjin and in 1491, it was invaded by the Turks. During this period, the city gradually decreased and after the 17th century its name ceased to be mentioned. The castle has a surface area of 4.7 ha. The surrounding walls divide the city in two parts. The upper city had the function of a castle, but it mainly served as a place of the last resistance. The two walls have towers, which have the form of the letter U triangle and four angles form. Two entrances are preserved, one that goes into the lower city and the other into the upper one. The walls, the arches and the other elements of the fortifications are built with stones, without being strengthened by wooden parts and without using bricks. (Road: Shkodra-Rragam/13 km. Minibus station: Boulebard Skenderbeu. At Rragami dam a boat will take you across the lake to the Sarda Island (sailing time 25 minutes). For the boat service or booking an excursion, contact Sarda association. Mob: +355672817765).
SHKODRA DAILY TRIP Komani Lake
The boat ride on Komani Lake is one of the highlights of a journey through Albania. The Lake was formed when the Drini valley was dammed in 1970. The country developed quickly its own industries and become an energy exporter. The first part of the journey is to the town of Van i Dejes and once you leave it, you are immediately in the countryside offering a taste of what’s to come. This journey provides an introduction to the vegetation and the aspect of the mountains as you steadily climb up to about 400m at the Komani dam. When you sail on the lake the treelined hills give away to sheer limestone cliffs which gradually close in until it looks like you have side of a mountain, the water opens up again and you turn into a narrow passageway between two vertical walls of rock. According to Bradt Travel guides, the journey is described as “one of the world’s great boat trips”, only comparable to the Norwegian fjords. (Book a daily private boat tour @komanilake. Mob: +35568202266; for overnight stay in Bajram Curri or Valbona, we suggest the regular lines- Road: Shkodra-Koman/ 55 km. Minibus station: Str. Skenderbeg. Departure: 06:30 a.m.Boat sailing Koman Fierze (3 hours sailing). Departure: 9:00 a.m. Fierza- Bajram Curri take a minibus and then Bajram Curri to Valbona)
Valbona Valley The national park of Valbona (8,000 hect-
89 ares), one of the most beautiful natural areas in Albania, lies about 22 km from the alpine city of Bajram Curri. Before entering the valley you will find the spring (vrellen) of Shoshan, located only 3 km away from Bajram Curri. This spring rushes through limestone fissures on its way to the Valbona River creating an attractive canyon, 2-3 m wide and 50 m deep. After entering the valley, you will pass several picturesque villages. The first, with alpine style houses, is called Dragobia, and it is where the valley narrows. Past Dragobia, at the foot of the mountain where the Cerremi stream joins the Valbona River, is the famous cave where the national hero Bajram Curri was besieged and killed. It was after this event that the city took his name.Valbona is full of traditional houses that create a picturesque view in symmetry with the natural wonders of the valley, which widens again at this point. (Road: Bajram Curri- Valbona / 25 km or Thethi- Valbona 5 hours hiking)
Suggested Itineraries The Grunas Canyon
SHKODRA SUGGESTED ITINERARIES Suggested itineraries Half day walking tour – central Shkodra Meeting in front of the City Hall of Shkodra. Start the walking tour with the sightseeing of the historic centre, which includes the streets “13 Dhjetori”, “28 Nentori” “Kole Idromeno” and Gjuhadol neighborhood. You will admire the urban and architectonic ensembles, which have a harmonic composition in proportion to walking paths, creating as such parallel row of buildings. You will see the City Hall building; Gjimnazi 28 Nentori; the Prefecture; Kafja e Madhe; statues of Luigj Gurakuqi & the statue of Saint Theresa. Continue straight ahead for 200 m, until you reach the Mosque of Ebu Bekr. After the visit of the Mosque, walk towards the Orthodox Cathedral 150 m far. Do the “xhiro”, as the locals call the ritual walk across the lively street “Kole Idromeno” (Pijaca), where you can have a break and enjoy a drink. Visit the National Museum of Photography “Marubi”, Albania's only museum dedicated entirely to photography. At the end of this street, take your right and you will face the Gjuhadol neighborhood, an elegant street where you can find 19th century buildings and a lot of traditional houses with big gates. Continue to visit the Catholic Cathedral designed by the well-known architect Kole Idromeno (1856-1898). In front of it, there is the statue of liberty, devoted to the 40 religious martyrs of the Albanian nation. The sightseeing tour will pass to the Skenderbeg Boulevard where you can visit the Site of Witness and Memory. Walking across to this street you will see the Cinema Millenium. Straight ahead for 250 m, you will reach the English tower (1868). Via Bulevardi Bujar Bishanaku, where you can see the Theatre Migjeni and Radio Shkodra, you will arrive to the street Oso Kuka, where you can visit the Historical Museum. The walking tour ends, turning back to the starting point with sightseeing of the Obelisk Heronjtë e Demokracisë, Mosque of Parruca and monument of At Gjergj Fishta. 6 days Bike Tour- Rural Shkodra (Recommended period: May- September)
Day 1
e
Departure from the city centre. Cycling to visit the Rozafa Castle, the symbol of the city & the Lead Mosque-one of the oldest religious building of the country. Passing the old bridge of Buna river you will arrive to Shiroka village on the shores of Shkodra Lake. Stop for refreshment. Continue to Zogaj neighborhood. Visit the wood carpet workshop of Nebije Qotaj. Lunch in a local restaurant to taste the pride of the locals- the traditional dish of “tave krapi”. In the afternoon, cycling toward Dajc. Visit the Saint Sergj church, located on the edge of Buna River, one of the most important cultural monuments of northern Albania (11th century). Relax and sunbathing in the Bregice beach. Turn back to Shkodra. Dinner in the traditional restaurant “Sofra”. Overnight in hotel Tradita. Day 2
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Departure to Velipoja beach. Cycling to visit the Managed Natural Reserve of Velipoja and Buna Delta. Free time at leisure. Continue to Viluni lagoon, the most important transitional habitat in the whole Velipoja complex. Dinner & overnight in hotel Valz. Day 3
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Cycling to Baks Rrjoll village on the southern part of Rrenci Mountain. Relax and sunbathing in the beach. Lunch in restaurant “Pirati”. In the afternoon turn back to Shkodra. Dinner & overnight at Tradita. Day 4
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Departure to Guri i Zi. Visit the black stone, about 42 m above sea level, which represents magmatic rock, coming from the top slope. Visit the Ethnographic Museum. Cycling to Juban village. Visit the home textile on loom workshop of Roza Ndoci. Lunch in Juban. On the walking road to Sheldia mountain, visit the Jubani cave, 900 m above sea level. It is established
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by carsti in the Trias-jurasi calcareous, with ramifications still unknown. Continue towards Gajtani village. Visit the Gajtani Cave, one of the oldest settlements in Albania territory (120 000 - 300 000 years B.C.) & the Illyrian archeological site of Gajtani town. Dinner & overnight in a guest house in Rragam Day 5
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Relax and sunbathing to Ragami beach. Cycling towards Drisht through Gjoqi village. The actual village is found under the medieval town of Drivastum. It was built during the Roman period as a shelter place for the road Shkodra - Kosovo. This castle located at the top of an 800 m high hill, served as one of the fortresses that de-
fended Shkodra. There can be found the remains of 11 homes inside its walls, creating a small neighborhood. Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue cycling towards the village of Ura e Shtrenjte. Dinner and overnight in a guest house in Prekal. Day 6
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Relax and sunbathing to Prekali beach of Kiri river. Cycling to visit Mesi Bridge, the largest and best-preserved Ottoman bridge in Albania (18th century). The bridge is 108 meters long, 3 m wide and has 13 arches, of which the elegant main span measures 13 m. Lunch in a local restaurant. Turn back to Shkodra. Dinner at “ Oborri Shkodran�. Overnight at hotel Tradita.
SHKODRA SUGGESTED ITINERARIES Hiking Northern Albania (Recommended period: May- September)
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Shkoder- Koman- Fierze- BaDay 1. jram Curri- Valbona In the early morning, drive to Koman and take the ferry to Fierze which goes through the spectacular canyon of river Drin. The lake was created, after the construction of the dam of Koman, in the 80-ies. Once reached the docks of Fierza, the transfer will continue along the beautiful valley of Valbona. Trekking as far as the village of Valbona. Dinner & overnight in a traditional guesthouse.
e Pass of Valbona- Theth
Day 2.
Drive on horseback (for 10 km) to the village of Rrogam, where trekking begins. It points to the Pass of Valbona (1966 m above the sea level) and is the classic pass of the Albanian Alps that for centuries linked the two most known valleys of the area, Valbona and Thethi. Several springs of water will make the stops pleasant and refreshing, while admiring the steep and jagged surrounding peaks of Jezerca, Radohima, etc. It is a superb panoramic spot from where you can admire the jagged peaks of ‘Bjeshket e Namuna’ – the Accursed Mountains. From there will start the descent towards the village of Thethi (800m above the sea level), where will stay for overnight after up to 6 hrs of walking. Thethi is the best-preserved alpine village in Albania. It has typical houses still roofed with wooden tiles and its location is spectacular. The overnight will be in one
of these houses and experience the unforgettable hospitality of the place. Day 3.
Lake of Koman
eThethi's attractions
Going around in the surroundings of Thethi, one of the most known charming villages of northern Albania. Start walking downhill from the house, and visit the attractions nearby the village, like: the Church, Kulla e Ngujimit (a tower house used in the past by men as a shelter
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against ongoing vendetta), the Grunasi Waterfall & Grunasi Canyon. Near the canyon are found stone-walled terraces dating from the late bronze era. Dinner & o vernight in a guesthouse in Theth.
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Day 4. Thethi- Shkodra The adventure restarts driving towards Nderlysa. Relax and sunbathing to the Stone bathtubs, which are rocky formations created by the abundant flow of black river that descends from the village of Kapre. Start hiking to reach Blue Eye, one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Albania. It is is about 100 m2 and about 3 to 5 meters of depth. Continue hiking towards Qafe Thore and drive to Shkodra.
Blue Eye,
Theth, Waterfall
For booking or additional Info for tours & packages, you can contact: Shkodra Travel & Tours DMC (Adress: Rruga Hafiz Sabri Bushati. q+355692087280 E info@shkodratravel.com
Calendar of events
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SHKODRA Calendar of events February Carnivals Festival Carnival festival has made Shkodra a special attraction for years, the festive atmosphere and celebrations are appealing not only to the citizens of Shkodra but also widely. Despite being the centre to celebrating carnival in Albania, Shkodra is also known as the city that manufactures hand-made Venetian-style masks, which give life to such festival. Carnival celebration in Shkodra dates back to 1860, it was disrupted during the communist regime and be revitalized after the collapse of the system. Carnivals have always provided a spontaneous image specifically connected to the historical and cultural heritage of this city. The city turns into a festive atmosphere with the participation of all ages. Dozens of children and adults attend the traditional scarecrow parade in the streets of the city which finalized by its symbolic burning in order to remove negative social phenomena. Hundreds of citizens attended the performance of local actors and young people from local schools attired in costumes and masks highlighting Carnival closing day, held from February 23-26.
April The concert of the Wind Orchestra The Wind Orchestra is one of the most unique artistic values of Shkodra city. Its history dates back to 1876. Every year, the wind orchestra organizes two great premieres, followed by a prosperous artistic program. It performs in the pedestrian road of the city being away of covered halls and closer to the spectator. Protagonists of this evening are many artists and singers, of most prominent instrumentalists and voices of the national scenes. International Day for Monuments and Archaeological Sites Shkodra contains the unique value of cultural heritage. Every year on April 18th, all countries of the world celebrate the International Day for Monuments and Sites, whose establishment was approved in 1983. In the framework of the celebration of this day, different types of activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites are organized. Pjeter Gaci” Prize “Pjeter Gaci” prize is a competition of performers in the field of cultivated music. From 2000 onwards, this annual activity is organized in Shkodra by “Pjeter Gaci” Cultural Center. It has the character of an international competition, which is divided into categories and special musical disciplines. The competition is open to all participants on the basis of criteria defined by the organizational staff. Folk Game Fest This folcloric social and cultural activity takes place in the Ecosocial Farm Natural Amphithetare at the Ana e Malit administrative unit. It aims to enrich the citizen’s life by familiarizing them with nation traditions through songs, dance and folk games. This is a wide regional participation activity with the performance of different folcloric bands and games. Swing Marathon The Swing Marathon is a celebration day devoted to jazz music and is organised in the framework of the Interanational Jazz Day. A Marathon full of sounds and colours, which for 12 hours keeps stuck in the first half of the previous and turbulent century with a variety of local icons as Idromono, Marubi, Migjeni and many others. A train ride from Tirana to Shkodra, called “The train of bliss” is an unforgettable experience to be spent. Swing, dancing, rum, old fashion, love, passion, bycicle, workshops and many other surprises accompanies you along the 12 hours full of dynamism.Besides the performances of the dancers and jazz groups, the participation of the citiziens, dressed like in the ‘40s –‘50s, passionate of charleston dance, jazz, lindy hop etc, make up of the day. The activity ends with a great concert at Migjeni theatre.
SHKODRA Calendar of events May The opening of tourist season in Velipoja beach In the framework of the opening of the tourist season in Velipoja, the Municipality of Shkodra organizes on 1st May: “Velipoja Fest”. The celebration of this day includes a handicraft fair, football, volleyball and handball matches. On this occasion, a live music concert is held. Different water sport performers provide no motorized floating vessels demonstrations “Flower Festival” The tradition of celebrations related to flowers dates back to the 1930s. Shkodra, known as “the city of flowers” has maintained, throughout the centuries a long tradition of flowers ‘cultivating. Shkodra, as a city closely related to nature and art, counts more than 150 folk songs dedicated to flowers. Every year, on May 6th, the city transforms into a large courtyard of colors and aromas. Several artistic activities including the participation of various groups of actors, such as flower cultivators, schools, businesses and artists of different genres flourish the atmosphere of this joyful day. Escape to the mountains “Dalja n’Bjeshkë” The Municipality of Shkodra in the framework of the opening of the tourist season in Theth, every year organises the traditional activity “Dalja n’Bjeshkë”. Its goal is to promote the natural and cultural values of the area as well as authoctone local products. Moreover, it presents the tourist offer with the aim to increase the number of tourists. The activity consist of a live concert with folk dances and songs, a fair of typical food and guided tours to the tourist attractions of the area.
June Nationwide Festival of children’s song Shkodra hosts this festival, since May 1963 and is held every year, bringing the best creations of the most famous authors of music. The festival has served and continues to make a significant contribution in the discovery of new talents. Since 1993, this festival has been turned into a nationwide festival, being an important stage for children from all over Albanian territories. Day of Shkodra Lake The first week of June dedicated to the “Day of Shkodra Lake”, gathers every year many citizens in the traditional feast in the tourist place of Shiroka. The Municipality of Shkodra, in cooperation with the University, Sport Club “Vllaznia” and Albanian Water Sports organizes a variety of activities in swimming, waterpool, rowing, canoe racing, etc. Social, cultural and sportive promoting activities in order to preserve protect and develop the rich natural heritage of the lake and beyond are part of the program organized on this day. The Handycrafts Day In the framework of the World Handycrafts Day, on 10th June, the Municipality of Shkodra in collaboration of the Handycraft’s association organises anually the Handycrafts Day. The activity consist in handicraft product workshop and trade show of Shkodra and surrounding areas. It offers the opportunity of experiencing different aspects of the life of local residents and recognition of indigenous culture.
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SHKODRA Calendar of events July Shkodra Jazz Festival The annual Shkodra International Jazz Festival is an effort to add a new soundtrack to the cultural life of the town. Since 2005, it continues its traditions bringing top performers from Western Europe, as well as local talent for a week long. The festival is dedicated to Rrok Jakaj, a well-known Albanian violinist, who died prematurely, thanks to which this all began.
July- August Summer festivals The Municipality of Shkodra during the summer season organises every year a summer concert series featuring family- friendly entertainment. Protagonists of these activities are artists and singers of national and international scenes. During the holiday, hundreds of youngsters and citizens spent hours under the rythms of traditional and international songs. The open air concerts are at a great interest to the tourists.
September Triathlon Labeat This event has already established a tradition in Shiroka neighborhood, on the shores of Shkodra Lake. Thriathlon is a competition in three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. It is characterised by a high attendance of athletes, experienced professionals and passionate people of sport activities. The aim of the activity is to promote additional service for tourists on Shkodra Lake, preserving the beauty of nature through outdoor recreational activities. Bycicle Day Shkodra has a lively cycling tradition. With 29% cycling mode share, it is a shining demostration of the model city of ecological transport, creating a “brand” of tourism of the area. The Municipality of Shkoder organises “The Bycicle Day” in the framework of the European Mobility Week. Students, activists, citizens and youth join a full week of activities, marking Shkodra as one of the most bike friendly cities of the region. Workshops on “bicycle repair service” at the pedestrian streets of the town with live sessions of bikes repairing from experienced mechanics; trainings for bike users, providing advices on the necessary equipment’s needed for a safe trip; exhibitions and shows with this theme; organised guiding bycicles tours to the tourist attraction are some of the activities of this day. Idromeno Prize The National Competition of visual art “Idromeno Prize” is organized by the Gallery of Art with the support of Municipaly of Shkodra. The competition is open to both amateur and professional young artists, working in one or more of the following media: drawing, printing, painting, photography and sculpture. The aim of this event is to give the young visual artists the ultimate platform to develop their passion and career in the art sector. The awards permit the artists to build sustained partnership with Art Gallery and benefit from exhibiting, selling and showcasing their work to art critics.
SHKODRA Calendar of events World Tourism Day In the framework of World Tourism Day, held annually on 27 September, The Municipality of Shkodra organises official events based on anually theme selected by the UNWTO General Assembly. Conferences, photo competitions, fairs of tourist offer and local products, handycraft workshops are some of activities during this day celebration. Ahengu Shkodran In the framework of National Day of Cultural Herritage, Municipality of Shkodra organizes the traditional concert “Ahengu Shkodran” dedicated to the music unique for its motive for the entire Albania – pride of the locals. This activity has a significant contribution to the cultivation of folk music, especially for the education of the young generation. “Ahengu Shkodran” takes place on the Historical Museum “Oso Kuka”
October National Festival of cultivated folk songs “Lule Bore” This festival was first held in Shkoder and over the time it became an important event at national level. The festival promotes professionalism and high artistic level through the interpretation of lyrics, orchestrian performances and cultivated folk music.
November Independence Marathon Shkoder- Ulcinj The “Independence Marathon”, is an activity which started in 2012 by passionate people of sport from Ulcinj and Shkodra to promote the unity of Albanians throughout the region. It is already part of the program of Independence week festivities, which consists in a rich schedualed weekly activity with the participation of local institutions, schools and citiziens.
December “Ndërmendje” Ndermendje is the final concert of the calendaric year plenty of activities of the “Theatre Migjeni”. Started to be organized in 2008, during the years took a great importance for the high musical values it represents. This concert is one of the best shows of the united orchestra in collaboration of artistic assossiation “Prenke Jakova” New Year festivities A celebration of the New Year festivities is designed to pass a message of solidarity and peace to all citizens. After the decoration of the city, throughout oftheentire month till the Night Year night, different activities constisting mostly in live concerts and Dj shows animate city life.
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BASHKIA SHKODËR
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