Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square is the vast, central heart of Tirana, the main plaza of Albania's capital, named after the country's national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who led 15th-century resistance against the Ottomans. At its centre stands his imposing equestrian statue, surveying a huge, recently redesigned pedestrian space paved in stone from across Albania and ringed with the city's most important buildings: the Et'hem Bey Mosque (a beautiful Ottoman-era mosque with rare frescoes), the Clock Tower, the National History Museum (with its famous mosaic facade), the opera house, and government buildings. The square's pyramid-like, gently sloping design and surrounding fountains have made it a popular gathering and strolling space.

It's the natural starting point for exploring Tirana, capturing the city's layers of Ottoman, communist, and modern history. Free and open, it's especially pleasant in the evening when locals come out to socialise. Take in the statue and surrounding landmarks, then explore the colourful city beyond.

Don't miss

• The equestrian statue of national hero Skanderbeg
• The Ottoman-era Et'hem Bey Mosque
• The Clock Tower and National History Museum
• A vast redesigned pedestrian plaza
• The civic heart of Tirana

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• It's the natural starting point for exploring Tirana.
• Visit the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque on the square (respect visiting rules).
• It's liveliest in the evening when locals come out.
• The National History Museum's mosaic facade is a landmark in itself.

A bit of history

Laid out in the early 20th century as Tirana developed into Albania's capital, the square is named for the national hero Skanderbeg. It was remodelled and pedestrianised in a major redesign completed in 2017, becoming a vast, modern civic space surrounded by historic landmarks.