NZPhotographer Issue 45, July 2021

Another must see is the Pyramid of Tirana, originally
built as an ode to Communism and a museum to
Enver Hoxha, Albania’s socialist dictator of 44 years.
It’s currently having a huge makeover, so I couldn’t
venture inside and even taking a shot from the road
was difficult with the 6 foot high fence surrounding
the site! But based on the drawings and predictions
it will be one of the premier sights in the city upon
completion and the largest IT Hub in the Balkans. At
the time of construction, the Pyramid was Albania’s
most expensive building and it looks as though that
could be the case again after the refurbishment.
When you’re done at the Pyramid drop by the
Bunk Art 2 installation for some heart-rendering and
shocking Albanian history under ex-leader Hoxha.
This is an incredibly unique history museum preserved
inside a Communist-era nuclear pit bunker. Hoxha was
so paranoid that he hid himself away here where he
set up a bedroom and office. Photography is allowed
here and still life opportunities exist among the relics
of the period. However, it is rather dark inside, so a
flash or a good low light lens would be very beneficial.
There is an entrance fee of NZ$5.
OUT OF TOWN EXCURSIONS
Make sure you leave time for two nearby but out of
town excursions. The first is to Petrela Castle which has
free entry. Much of the interior of the 15th century
castle has been lost but the views, which extend
beyond the castle itself, are outstanding. Be sure
to take the small path around the edge of the cliff
for fabulous views over the Erzen Valley and back
to Tirana city. The best time to visit is morning as the
light hits the castle nicely - the earlier the better for
beautiful soft light. A wide angle lens is your best
choice for this sightseeing experience. You’ll have to
arrange a taxi to get here, look to pay about NZ$40
for the return trip with about an hour’s wait time.
And finally, perhaps the best half day trip in all of
Albania and definitely in Tirana is to Kruje Castle. What
a splendid sight it is! In fact, I’d go as far as to say
staying at Hotel Panorama here is a huge tip. If I’d
known just how good a sight this was with incredible
views all the way to Kosovo, Macedonia, and the
Ionian Sea I’d have stayed here myself. Indeed, if I get
the chance to come back I will! The best way to get
here is by taxi, a bargain for a price of around 5,000
Leke (NZ$65) for the return journey with a two hour
wait time.
Perfectly preserved, the castle grounds are beautiful,
historical, and a great place to while away a couple
of hours. Lots of seating has been put in place to
allow you to take in the views and imagine the history.
Be sure to visit the church too, just a little down the
cobbled path to the left from the main buildings, it’s
been in place for over a thousand years. Planted
Drones are permitted in Albania but be sensible, no flying in aircraft zones or
over crowds of people. Here I used my ailing Mavic Air to capture Petrela Castle.
DJI Mavic Air 1 F2.8, 1/800s, ISO100, 4.5mm
12 July 2021 NZPhotographer