Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi Skënderbej) is the central square of Tirana and the largest public space in Albania. The 40,000 m² area became fully pedestrian in 2017 after a redesign by Belgian firm 51N4E, which won the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2018. Key national buildings line the perimeter: the National Historical Museum, Et'hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture with the opera house, and the Bank of Albania.

The square sits at the intersection of Tirana's two main boulevards – Dëshmorët e Kombit and Zogu I. From here, it's a 5–10 minute walk to the Blloku district (bars, restaurants), 15 minutes to the Pyramid of Tirana, and 10 minutes to Bunk'Art 2. Most city bus routes pass through the ring road around the square.

Free to visit, open 24/7. Allow 30–40 minutes for the square itself. If visiting the surrounding museums and mosque, plan half a day.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

The square is paved with stone sourced from every region of Albania, creating a subtle 2.5% slope from the edges toward the center – rainwater drains into the green zones around the perimeter. At the center stands the bronze equestrian statue of Skanderbeg by sculptor Odhise Paskali (erected 1968): the 15th-century national hero who held off the Ottoman Empire for 25 years. In summer (June–September), 100 interactive fountain jets operate hourly from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The north side is dominated by the National Historical Museum – its facade mosaic "The Albanians" (1981) is visible from anywhere on the square. On the east side, the Palace of Culture (1963) houses the National Opera and Ballet Theatre and National Library. Opera tickets run 500–2,000 ALL (€5–20/$5–22). The southeast corner holds the 18th-century Et'hem Bey Mosque with its rare frescoes and the 1822 Clock Tower.

The square comes alive in the evening when locals gather for the traditional xhiro (evening stroll), lights illuminate the buildings and fountains, and the surrounding cafés buzz with activity. In November–December, a Christmas fair takes over the space. National Flag Day (November 28–29) brings fireworks and concerts.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Area – 40,000 m², the largest pedestrian square in the Balkans

Redesign – by Belgian firm 51N4E, completed 2017, European Prize for Urban Public Space 2018

Skanderbeg Monument – bronze equestrian statue from 1968 by sculptor Odhise Paskali

Fountains – 100 interactive jets, operating June–September from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Architectural mix – spans from an 18th-century Ottoman mosque to 1930s Italian Rationalism and 1960s socialist realism

Historic significance – site where Enver Hoxha's statue was toppled in 1991, marking Albania's democratic transition

History

Past & Present

The first public space here was created by Austrian forces in 1917. After Tirana became the capital in 1920, Italian architects Armando Brasini and Florestano Di Fausto designed the square in a Neo-Renaissance style. Under the Italian occupation of 1939, Gherardo Bosio updated the plan. During the communist period (1945–1991), the square became a parade ground: the Palace of Culture, the National Museum, and statues of Stalin and Hoxha were added.

In 1991, massive protests on the square led to the fall of the communist regime – Hoxha's statue was torn down. After decades of chaotic traffic, the square underwent several redesign attempts. The decisive transformation came with the 51N4E project, implemented in 2016–2017 under Mayor Erion Veliaj: vehicles were removed, and the space was converted into a pedestrian zone with underground parking, green areas, and paving stone from across Albania.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Free entry. The square is an open public space with no restrictions. Underground parking beneath the square is paid (rates posted at the entrance).

Nearby paid attractions:

National Historical Museum: 700 ALL (≈ €7/$8)

Clock Tower: 200 ALL (≈ €2/$2)

Opera at Palace of Culture: 500–2,000 ALL (€5–20/$5–22)

Rules & Restrictions

No particular restrictions. Bicycles are allowed on the ring road around the square but not on the square itself. In summer the paving gets very hot – wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. A dress code applies at the adjacent Et'hem Bey Mosque (covered shoulders and knees).

On-Site Facilities

On the square:

Cafés and restaurants along the perimeter (average check 800–1,500 ALL / €8–15)

Restrooms in the underground parking and nearby venues

Souvenir kiosks near the museum

Parking: Underground car park directly beneath the square.

Wi-Fi: Free city Wi-Fi on the square (unreliable). 4G works well.

Accessibility: The square is completely flat, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Gentle 2.5% slope toward the center.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

From Tirana Airport (TIA, 17 km, 25–35 min):

– Luna Bus shuttle – 400 ALL (≈ €4/$4), every 30–60 min, stops in the city center

– Taxi via app (inDriver, Speed Taxi) – 2,000–2,500 ALL (€20–25/$22–27)

Around the city:

– Walk from Blloku district – 5–10 min

– City bus – 40 ALL (€0.40), most routes pass the square

– Taxi within the city – 300–700 ALL

From other cities:

– Buses from Tirana's south and north terminals arrive 10–15 min walk from the square

– If renting a car – use the underground parking beneath the square

When to go

Best time to visit

Season: April–June and September–October offer comfortable temperatures (18–25°C / 64–77°F). In July–August, the open pavement gets scorching hot (35–38°C / 95–100°F).

Time of day: Early morning (before 10:00 AM) for an empty square and soft photo light. Sunset and evening are best: lights come on, locals gather for their stroll, and fountains are running.

Duration: 30–40 minutes for the square alone. With the mosque, tower, and museum – 3–4 hours.

Avoid: Midday sun in summer – no shade on the open expanse. Weekend evenings are crowded but atmospheric.