Flag Square

Flag Square is a wide open esplanade paved in light-colored stone. At its center stands the Independence Monument – a 17-meter bronze sculptural group of seven figures, erected in 1972 for the 60th anniversary of independence. At the base, Ismail Qemali is flanked by five fighters representing Albania's regions. At the top, a flag bearer holds the national standard. The monument is a striking example of socialist realist sculpture.

South of the monument, a green park shelters Ismail Qemali's tomb under mature trees with benches. Cafés, restaurants, and shops line the square's perimeter. In the evening the square comes alive – locals stroll the esplanade, and surrounding cafés serve coffee from 80 ALL (≈ $0.80). Every November 28, this is the site of Albania's main Independence Day ceremony, attended by the president and prime minister.

The square is a natural starting point for exploring the city on foot. Within a 200 m radius lie Vlora's main attractions: the history and ethnographic museums, and the picturesque Justin Godart Street.

Monument – 17-meter bronze sculpture from 1972, one of Albania's most recognized landmarks

Historical significance – the exact spot where the Albanian flag was raised on November 28, 1912

Sculptors – three leading artists of the communist era: Mumtaz Dhrami, Shaban Hadëri, and Kristaq Rama

Location – Vlora's transport and pedestrian hub, adjacent to the bus station and main museums

Memorial – the park behind the monument contains the tomb of Ismail Qemali, Albania's first head of government

Flag Square is tied to the defining event in Albanian history – the declaration of independence on November 28, 1912. As the First Balkan War erupted, 83 delegates led by Ismail Qemali gathered in Vlora and proclaimed independence from the Ottoman Empire. That same day, the national flag with its double-headed eagle was raised on this spot. Qemali became the country's first president and prime minister, and Vlora served as the first capital of independent Albania.

The square took its modern form in the 1970s. The Independence Monument was erected in 1972 for the 60th anniversary. During the communist period, the square served as a venue for state events. After the fall of the Hoxha regime, the square was renovated: new paving, landscaped park areas, and modern lighting were added. Today it remains Vlora's main public space and the site of annual November 28 celebrations.

From Tirana (150 km, 2.5–3 hours):

– Bus from the South/North Terminal – 500–700 ALL (≈ €5–7 / $6–8), every 30 minutes (5:00 AM–5:00 PM)

– Direct bus from TIA airport – 1,200 ALL (≈ €12 / $13), 3 hours

– Taxi – 7,000–11,000 ALL (≈ €66–107 / $70–115)

– Car rental – from €20/day

From Saranda (130 km, 2.5–3 hours):

– Shared minibus – 1,000 ALL (≈ €10 / $11), 2–3 departures daily

Within Vlora:

The square is in the city center. A 10-minute walk from the seafront. A 2-minute walk from the bus station.

Season: April–October – warm weather for strolling. In winter, the square is exposed to sea winds.

Time of day: Evening (after 6:00 PM) – the square comes alive with locals. Morning (before 10:00 AM) – quiet and uncrowded.

Duration: 20–30 minutes for the square and monument. Combined with the Independence Museum and Muradie Mosque – 1.5–2 hours.

Avoid: November 28 – the square is restricted for the official ceremony. Access requires a pass.