Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square – or Sheshi Skënderbej in Albanian – is the heart and soul of the city. Skanderbeg has it all as a cultural and tourist hub, as well as a location for festivals and performances. Its name comes from the nickname of the Albanian national hero and commander Gjergj Kastrioti. The square is around 40,000 square meters in size, and the Skanderbeg statue atop a horse towering over it. Buildings in the square include the Palace of Culture, the Opera and Ballet Theater, the National Bank, and the National Library.

The square itself has little holes all throughout the tiles. Water bursts out of these pores throughout the summer, when the temperature is about 40 degrees Celsius. It covers the Square in a thin coating of reflecting water, which helps to keep it cool. The building encircling the plaza is neo-renaissance, and there is a huge grass with flower beds to complete the majestic ambiance. Skanderbeg is the city's principal location for popular events, such as the 100th anniversary of Albanian independence in 2012.

• Google Rating: 4.5/5
• Address: Plaza Tirana, Sheshi Skender Beu, Tirana 1001, Albania
• Opening Hours: Daily