VLORË

The Museum of National Independence

Located in the southern part of Vlorë, this museum was established in 1936 and is recognized as the first museum in Albania. The main objective with which this museum was founded was to create an idea of ​​the Albanian national identity. The foundation of the museum was also to commemorate the declaration of independence of the country in 1912, declared by Ismail Qemali, politician and founder of the independent Albania as well as the country's first head of state. In the museum, you can admire the pen with which the declaration of independence was signed as well as different photographs that show the story of this era.
 

The Muradie Mosque

Recognized as the main mosque of Vlorë, this beautiful building has been preserved for almost half a millennium, it has even managed to survive the postwar communist regime of Albania, which closed a large number of religious constructions. The Muradie Mosque is an Albanian national monument built by Mimar Sinan in 1537. Sinan was among the most famous Ottoman architects of his time, he even participated in the design of the Taj Mahal in India. 

The Llogara National Park 

This natural area was established and declared a national park in 1966. From the park, you can appreciate a wonderful panorama of the Albanian coast. If ecotourism is your thing this is the perfect place for you since in this park it’s possible to make excursions through the forest tracks and trekking. One of the main attractions within the park is the Flag Pine tree which, due to the winds of the area, has taken a strange and interesting shape that resembles the eagle that is in the Albanian flag.

Ethnographic Museum

This museum is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, which was built in the middle of the 19th century and was declared a cultural monument. In this museum, you will discover the history and the traditions of Vlorë, as well as some of the best representations of its culture through objects made of metal and wood, and typical costumes.

Kanine Castle

This castle was built in Kanine, a small town 6 kilometers from Vlorë. The castle stands on the side of the mountain and was built on the site of an ancient settlement. It’s believed that it was built in the third century BC and, although there is currently not much of the construction, from the place you can have beautiful panoramic views of Vlorë’s Bay.