Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997; however, there have been claims of electoral fraud in every one of Albania's post-communist elections. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory on pledges to reduce crime and corruption, promote economic growth, and decrease the size of government. The election, and particularly the orderly transition of power, was considered an important step forward. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and is a potential candidate for EU accession. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure.

Tiranë - the capital. Trees and mountains surround the city. Mt. Dajt is a popular tourist site for a great view of the city.

Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square)

Tirana's city center. The Opera, National History Museum, Mosque and clock tower are all right off this square. A statue of Albanian hero Skanderbeg, stands in the square. Planned renovations will make the square a sight to see.

Kulla e Sahatit (Clock Tower).

09:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00. Closed Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. Positioned in the city center, this tower has become a symbol of Tirana. It is one of the oldest constructions in Tirana, built in the 1820's. 10 lek.

Et'hem Bey Mosque

08:00 - 22:00 (summer), 08:00 - 19:00 (winter). Construction of this mosque took about 28 years and finished in 1821. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Albania with very interesting decorations and art-work within it.

Martyrs' Cemetery

This is the cemetery where the remains of partisans that fought for Tirana are buried. Here one can also find the 12m statue of Mother Albania.

National History Museum

The main museum in Tirana, it is in the center of the city, easily recognizable because of a huge mosaic standing on top of its front facade. It contains many artifacts ranging from ancient times through Hoxha's regime.

Petrela Castle

This is one of Albania's best preserved castles, found a short distance south of Tirana.

Mount Dajti

A very relaxing area, mount Dajti can be reached through an Austrian-built express cable car. The view along the route is worth the cost even if you don't stay atop the mountain. The area has a limited number of hotels and restaurants, but it is great for taking a breath of fresh air, mountain sports, or to just get out of the city for a while. Unfortunately, litter is becoming a problem on Mount Dajti. This detracts from the experience somewhat, but the beautiful scenery still makes the trip worthwhile. 500 lek.

Piramida (International Center of Culture)

The pyramid was built in 1987 according to the design of Enver Hoxha's daughter and was originally a museum of her father. Today it's a venue for many conventions and art events. US president George W Bush gave a speech in front of this building. The building was the most expensive erected under communism, and there are plans for future changes into it. The new designs are worked by architectural firm associated with Hoxha's daughter.

Ish-Blloku (The Block)

This area, prior to the fall of communism, was reserved solely for government officials. It has since become the number one spot for Tirana's youth. Among the apartment blocks, one can find some of Tirana's best cafés, shops, and restaurants. The streets, especially in summer afternoons, are filled with Tirana's citizens. You can also find here the villa of the former dictator, Enver Hoxha.

Kopshti Zoologjik Tiranë (Tirana Zoo)

09:00 - 18:00. Visiting this zoo is an odd experience; there are few animals but you will see them at remarkably close range. 50 lek.

Rruga Presidenti George Bush (Bush Street)

This street was named after US President George Dubya Bush in honor of his recent visit. The flipin' eejit!

Berat - Thought to be one of the oldest towns in Albania, it is a new member of the UNESCO world heritage list. Berat has long been known as the "city of 1000 windows" because of its unique Ottoman/Albanian architecture. It has a well preserved castle with residents still living inside its protective walls.

The Kala

The Kala, a castle mostly built in the 13th Century, but with origins going back to the 4th Century BC. A very beautiful place with great views of the surrounding area. There are a couple of bars and shops in the Kala area.

Numerous Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th Century

Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417)

Gjirokastër - another UNESCO city, located in the south is known for its unique Ottoman period architecture. There is a large castle on the hill in the middle of the city which served as a jail for many generations. A Military Museum and Art Gallery are now located inside. Gjirokastër is also the birthplace of former communist Leader, Enver Hoxha, as well as Albania's most internationally famous author, Ismail Kadare, their homes now serve as museums.

Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Castle at the top of the hill, 200 leke entrance. It is billed as the second largest castle in the Balkans, and is worth a look. Wappens Museum in castle 200 Leke entrance: the main gallery is eerily lit (or not) and contains two columns of large field guns, remnants of WWII.

Ethnographic museum

Ethnographic museum once Enver Hoxha's house, is a well-restored Ottoman house which displays clothing, kitchenware, tools and other cultural artifacts. The entrance fee is 200 and includes a guided tour (available in Albanian, English, and German though availability should be checked in advance.

Old bazaar and historic Ottoman homes

Old bazaar and historic Ottoman homes Several of which are at various levels of restoration and are open to the public. The Zekate house is the most visited of these.

Sarandë - a city in southern Albania known for its unforgettable beaches and colorful spring blooms.

Ksamili and Butrint

The village of Ksamili is near Sarande. Ksamili has a beautiful beach with several small islands you could swim to. There was one hotel in the village in 2005. The owner exchanges dollars as well operates a full service restaurant. You can catch a bus from Ksamili to Butrint.

Just outside of Ksamili, lies Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Butrint was an ancient city throughout Greek, Roman, bishopric and Byzantine periods. The city was finally abandoned during the Middle Ages perhaps due to the marsh surrounding and subsequent malaria epidemic.

Despite being one of the greatest classical cities of the Mediterranean, Butrint remains largely unknown. The current archaeological site includes an impressive Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine Basilica (the largest in the world after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul), a Roman temple with mosaic floor, a beautifully carved lion's gate as well numerous constructions built throughout the periods. Furthermore, what you see is just 15 per cent of what lies beneath. As of summer of 2005, there is an international archaeological team performing excavations at Butrint which can be observed inside the park.

Vlorë - Lively seaside city, nice beaches south of town. Passenger ferries to and from Italy dock here.

Ethnographic Museum (open 08.00–12.00 and 16.00–18.00 )

Historic Museum (open 8.00–12.00 and 16.00– 18.00)

The Museum of Independence (open 8.00–12.00 and 16.00–18.00)

The Mosque of Muradie

The Castle of Kanina, in Kanina village

The Castle of Porto-Palermo

The ruins of Himara Castle, Himare

Churches of Saint Stephen and Saint Mitri in the village of Dhermi ( XII –XIV centuries)

Monastery of Saint Mary, in Zvernec Village

Ancient theatre of Orikum (First century B.C)

The Church of Marmiroi in Orikum

Between Tirana and Vlorë is the district of Fier, which boasts different historical sites of great interest. The most important are:

Historic Museum in Fier

Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, in village of Pojan

Monastery of Saint Mary at Apollonia,

Archaeological site of Bylis, in Hekal village

The ruins of the Church of Saint Mary, in Ballsh

Krujë - ancient city of the national hero Skanderbeg. It consists of beautiful mountains; Skanderbegs castle is now a museum. There are villas where shopping is done on a hillside of cobblestone streets.

The many souvenir, antique shops and carpet workshops in the bazaar, the castle with the national museum inside, the ethnographic museum next to the castle (an old ottoman house full of furniture and artifacts).