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Archive for albania

Local Color in Tirana

By Linda Tancs

The future literally looks bright in Albania. Billed as the last unturned stone of Europe, the small Balkan country across from the heel of Italy is enjoying a boost in tourism, especially in its color-happy capital, Tirana. That’s where you’ll find boldly rehabilitated Soviet-era buildings, repainted in blue, green, orange, purple, red and yellow. Some local favorites are the “rainbow” building at Wilson Square, the “Titanic” (a purple behemoth at Bajram Curri Boulevard) and geometric chaos around Unaza.

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A Giant Tale in Albania

By Linda Tancs

The relatively small country of Albania sports a giant tale.  According to legend, the Tomorr and Shpirag mountains in Berat were once giants vying for the affection of a young maiden.  Upon their deaths in the ensuing battle, the maiden’s voluminous tears formed the Osum River.  Nice story, but the locals would much rather you remember their fair town as the “city of a thousand windows.”  That moniker arises from the view below the citadel, where an impressive array of windows strikes the eye thanks to the homes nestled in the rocky castle hill.