Discover Albania

August, 2014
Discover Albania
I’ts August
The hottest month of the year! No other country can match the beauty of Albania in this month! Sandy and rocky beaches;
hidden bays and the already known resort areas; all of these very much visited! It looks like there are no places that have
“escaped” from international and domestic tourists! This time we:
Will go in the splendid city of Saranda;
Will embark on a memorable journey from Vlora to Saranda;
Will relish the mussels as they are cooked in Saranda;
Visit the small bay of Kallmi;
Will not forget to watch in Tirana the “e-mages” exhibition of artist Helidon Gjergji
1
Gusht, 2014
Saranda
Not only Albanians, but also internationals tourists “have fallen in love” with Saranda. Situated in the
blue gulf of the Ionian Sea, Saranda stands opposite to Corfu, like a nymph from the antique mythology
who wants to woo it all the time. Graced by olive tops and citrus terraces, Saranda combines the white
colour of the land with the blue of the sea and the green of the vegetation. On the road to Saranda, you can
find the Butrint of Enea and Virgil, Ksamil with its rare islands, the unique “Blue Eye”, the Phoenice of
Epirus, the Queen Mussel of the lake, and above all the sea which lures us all.
Geographical position
Saranda is a city in Southern Albania, located on a
mountainside on the Ionian seacoast. It is the biggest sea
port of the southern region of Albania. Its southernmost
point is in the city of Konispol with a geographical a
latitude 39o 38’. In general, the terrain in Saranda is flat
and hilly. It starts from the sea level and reaches an
elevation of 1883 metres. The Rivers of Kalasa, Bistrica
and Pavlla flow through the city and after passing through
the Delvina depression empty into the Ionian Sea. The
beauties of the nature, its resources, and the tradition of
welcoming guests and the educated level of the
inhabitants enable Saranda to develop sand and eco
tourism. Saranda is 300 km from the city of Tirana, the
capital of Albania and is part of Vlora region. Sea transport
connects the city with the cities of Corfu and Igumenica.
Under the jurisdiction of the Municipality there are five
neighbourhoods and three villages: The Villages of
Gjashta, Metoqi and Shelegari. The average life
expectancy is above 72 years old. The city has a diverse
ethnic and regional composition. Saranda has a typical
Mediterranean climate. It has a high number of sunny days
even in Europe, over 270 days. The typical feast of the city
is “The Mussel Feast”, which the Municipality organises to
open every tourism season.
2
Gusht, 2014
Economy
Saranda is an important tourism centre in Albania. Its
source of incomes is tourism and emigration. There are a
high number of hotels and apartments that are offered to
tourists. Its geographic location favours agriculture and
animal farming.
It has diverse vegetation which is typical Mediterranean.
The area is known for producing citruses and olives, while
fruit trees cover about 30 % of the territory. Saranda has a
rich fauna. Beside its rich vegetation, Saranda is also
home to the water, vegetation of the Ionian Sea.
Corals are not missing in the depths of the Ionian Sea.
Sea waters are extremely clear and bluish.The entire area
is home to precious fish habitats and other types of sea
animals. The Ionian coast is virgin in many places and
extremely beautiful. It includes the typical Mediterranean
Butrint Lagoon, about 1600 hectares. The lagoon is rich in
vegetation and feeds numerous types of fish. The lagoon
is also a stopover site for thousands of water, winter and
migratory birds.
3
Gusht, 2014
HISTORY
Saranda is a city with more than 2000 years of history,
established in the southern coastline of Albania, rich with
rare Albanian and even European cultural heritage and
archaeological values. This rich archaeological heritage,
combined with the beauties of the nature and its natural
port, is the basis for developing the image of Saranda as a
world class tourism destination.The city was mentioned for
the first time under the name of ONHEZEM.
It was used as a port for the city of Phoinice (Albanian:
Finiqi). During the Medieval Age the city is not mentioned
in the written documents. The surrounding wall from the
Byzantine Era on the western side of the city today, the
ruins of a paleochristian monastery under the name of Ajiu
Saranda (Forty Saints) rising on the mountainside above
Saranda and the construction of the Lekursi Castle at the
end of the XVI century-beginning of the XVII century on
In the Ist century B.C, the city was used as a harbour for
sailing from Epirus to the Italic peninsula. The city saw its
greatest development in the II-III centuries Before Christ.
Some ruins next to the sea date back from this time. In the
IV century the city was regenerated again around its first
nucleus and was fortified with 2 metre thick protective
walls, covering an area of 5 hectares. Inside the
semicircular citadel, fortified with towers, archaeological
excavation has found ruins of buildings, cisterns, and a
paleochristian basilica from the V-VI century whose floor is
covered with beautiful multicoloured mosaics A series of
ecclesiastical acts from 414-516 refer to Saranda as an
Episcopal seat and as a city. In the VI century guidebook
of Hieroclites, the city is mentioned under the name of
Anhiazmi, as one of the 12 cities of the old Epirus
province.
the south-eastern part of the city, show that Onhezmi is
ancient. The name “Saranda” started to be used at the
end of the 1920s. In 1930 the inhabitants called the city
simply “The port”. In 1876 Naim Frasheri was a customs
officer. In 1878 the city was destroyed and burned down
by Greek hooligans coming from Corfu.
Under the Ottoman rule, a decree from the Sublime Porte
made Saranda a private property of Sultan Abdyl Hamit.
Then, 200 years later, Ahmet Zogu “took” this seacoast
pearl as a “gift” from the parliament of the time which was
controlled by him. Under the rule of Benito Mussolini, the
city of Saranda was named “Porto Eda”, for the sake of his
daughter. After World War II, some high officials from the
communist regime had in the city their tourism resorts and
haunting shelters.
4
Gusht, 2014
DEVELOPMENT
Every year the International Festival of Theatre “Butrint
2000” is organised in the amphitheatre of the antique city
of Butrint, with the participation of many European theatre
troupes. Numerous shows are put in the movie house of
Saranda.
In 1927, Saranda had about 800 inhabitants, while almost
ten years later it had 1800 inhabitants. During these years,
it underwent a rapid urban development. The port and the
promenade along the coast were built along with the first
houses and a series of storehouses and shops. In 1957
the city became an administrative centre. During 19601980, Saranda was promoted as “a tourism offer of
Albania” not only for the Albanian visitors, but also for
those few foreign visitors who could be counted on the
fingers of one hand and who ventured to come in the
country fenced with barbed wires in the middle of Europe.
During this same period the first investments were carried
out, especially on the green crown of the Riviera.
Thousands of young people volunteered to build olive,
orange and lemon terraces. From 1960 to 1982, the
population of Saranda grew by an annual average of 2.7
percent. At the time, the city of Saranda had 15 thousands
inhabitants and development was limited. During 19902004, the city developed rapidly, and the population grew
as a result of many families coming from different areas of
Albania.
During summer months, the burlesque troupes of Saranda
as well as other troupes from the country and beyond
come to put on different shows in the city “flooded” by
visitors. In the city of Saranda there two local TV stations
and there is a signal for all of the other national TVs.
“Saranda” newspaper is published during the tourism
seasons.
Some of its pages are in English The fruit and vegetable
market, where it is possible to find organic food from the
farmers in the region, is in the city centre. Saranda has a
long tradition in agricultural productions and during
summer the prices in the market are very favourable.
The construction industry has boomed in recent years.
This has changed the image of the city, from a quiet
coastal resort to an area with mass constructions, some of
them illegal.
5
Gusht, 2014
Small and medium markets run also well and they are rich
with articles for wider uses. Groceries are open almost all
day. The souvenir shops are in the centre of the city, very
close to the movie house. The shops usually open at 7.308.00 in the morning and close at 00.00 PM. In Saranda,
sea food is mostly grilled. In general, food is roasted well,
and steaming is also commonly used for cooking. The
meat in the main course is mostly veal or lamb. In
Saranda, sea food is mostly grilled. In general, food is
roasted well, and steaming is also commonly used for
cooking. The meat in the main course is mostly veal or
lamb. Raki and wine are the most common drinks during
the meal. The typical Mediterranean cuisine of Saranda,
including mostly seafood such calamari, octopus,
cuttlefish, mussels and fish of all types, is very much
preferred. Not less preferred are the salads with bio
products and other traditional dishes.
The Theatre of Butrint
The theatre had a capacity of 1500 seats. It was built in
the IV-III centuries before Christ. It is on the southern side
of the city’s acropolis. It consists of the seats, the scenes
and the orchestra. The first 13 steps have been preserved.
The ground of the scene was paved with flagstones during
the Ottoman period. The Scene and the Orchestra were
rebuilt in the II century Before Christ. The scene consists
of two spaces: the front stage and the backstage. In the
backstage are the narrow corridors which allowed the
actors to move and enter the scene. Here there are some
inscriptions on freeing slaves. It is thought that many
slaves were freed here and a part of them were women.
.
6
Gusht, 2014
The Baptistery
It has a circular shape. It is a monument with great values
and dates back to the Paleochristian period, built in the IV
century Before Christ.
It consists of two rooms: the baptismal room and another
room in the northern part. In the centre of the Baptismal
Room is the Baptismal Font which is cross-shaped. On
the floor of the baptistery there are many decorations and
a variety of mosaics of different shapes. The figures are
inside 69 medallions and seven circles. The medallions
with figures of animals and fowls are very special. The
mosaics of the Butrint Baptistery have great values.
.
The temples
There are two temples; one is underneath the theatre and
the other above.
The theatre above dates back to the III century before
Christ and it was built in the same time as the Theatre.
Inside is the basement of the altar. Lion paws support the
leg of the altar.
This floor was paved with black and white mosaics.The
temple below is thought to be the oldest. On its back there
is a cave where water used to flow. This water is thought
to have had curative values. The rectangular temple was
built during the IV-II centuries. Some statutes have been
found inside this temple.
7
Gusht, 2014
The Basilica of Butrint
It was built at the end of the VI century before Christ. Its
walls are made with stones, while the tile windows are
covered by an arched-shape wooden roof.
The
surrounding walls and the stone-paved floor are preserved
to this day.
This monument dates back from the Byzantine period and
is in north-eastern of the city. The central part was rebuilt
during the IX century. It is thought to have been paved with
mosaics.
The Spring of the Nymphs
In Butrint there are three springs. One of them is the
Spring of the Nymphs built during VI-I centuries Before
Christ. .
This spring is near the Lions’ Gate and is 5 metres deep.
There are inscriptions on its edges.
The castle of Ali Pasha Tepelena
It was built during 1807-1808. The reason why it was built
was to prevent French armies attacking Butrint from the
island of Corfu. This citadel is rectangular and it has four
towers on its corners. The citadel has an impressive
protective system. The purpose was to create protection
from the sea and this was accomplished by two towers,
2.80 metre thick and 5 metres tall, with loopholes for
cannons. The citadel has two gates; one of them leads to
the Vivari canal
8
Gusht, 2014
.
The Islands of Ksamil
Near the town of Ksamil there are four islands covering a
surface area of 9 hectares. The islands are covered with
evergreen shrubs and vegetation. The most beautiful
beaches of the Riviera are in the rocky islands of Ksamil.
They are distinguished for their exotic nature with crystal
clean waters and small pebbles. The islands of Ksamil are
very much visited during summer by numerous domestic
and international tourists.
.
The Blue Eye
It is the biggest and most interesting water spring among
the 18 springs bubbling near the base of Mali i Gjerë. It is
a monument of nature; its shape is oval, similar to the
shape of an eye. Water springs from the ground with a
darkish colour in the middle and light blue colour on the
sides. Its depth is considerable, up to 45 metres. It is
opposite to Krongj village, 45 metres below the level of
Drinos valley. The waters of Mali i Gjere mainly empty
here. It is a wide reservoir of karst waters. It is also a
spring with fresh waters, surrounded by dense and
evergreen vegetation. Waters from all springs flow into the
artificial lake where they have formed the Bistrica dam.
The lake covers a surface area of 9 ha and it has a great
number of fish.
9
Gusht, 2014
The Monastery of Mesopotamia
It is in the southern part of the Mesopotam village, very
close to Phoenice. In the beginning, it was a pagan
temple. Later on, the Church of Saint Nicolas was built
over its ruins. It is thought to have been built during the
reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX
Monomachos. The Church of Saint Nicolas has special
Byzantine style architecture. It is one of the biggest and
oldest churches from the Byzantine period, preserving
special values. It stands out because of its mosaics
decorated with animal motifs and its tile decorations on the
outer walls. The mural figures have different shapes, such
as: an eagle, two dragons and a lion on one side; while a
lion is on the other side. The mosaic in the naps features a
dragon with open wings. The church underwent two
reconstructions in 1793 and 1845 which altered the
appearance of the church, but also could have made it to
lose some of its values.
The Castle of Lëkurs
The castle of Lëkurs was reconstructed in the XVI century.
Historians think that it might have been built in 1537, at the
time when Sultan Suleyman attacked Corfu and found it
necessary to control the Port of Saranda and the SarandaButrint road. The castle is among the ruins of Lekurs
village, on a high hilltop rising over the city of Saranda.
It has a special strategic position, dominating the entire
city of Saranda and the road leading to Butrint.
Here, you can also enjoy sceneries from Ksamil Islands. It
has a square shape, with two circular towers, one in the
northwest and the other in the southeast. It is obvious that
the main purpose for this location was to observe the sea.
10
Gusht, 2014
Phoenice
It is an ancient settlement known by the name of
Phoenice. It was the capital of Chaonia. It is thought to
have become a city in the V century B.C.
A journey from Vlora to Saranda
known especially for the “sun and sand” tourism. While
descending Llogara beach, the first is Dhraleo beach, near
Palasa. Dhërmi is known for its crystal clean waters and its
beaches with pebbles. A few kilometres south of Dhërmi ,
is Vunoi village, famous for the preservation of its cultural
traditions. From here the journey continues to the wellknown beach of Jala. Next is Himara. It is the main
administrative centre of the upper Ionian coastline. After
Porto Palermo is Qeparo village with its bunkers, objects
remaining from the period of communism in Albania,
painted with numerous colours. A few kilometres further, is
the beautiful Saranda.
A distance of about 124 kilometres and a little more than two
travelling hours, divides the cities from one another. As soon
as you leave Vlora, rocky small villages and the crystal clear
waters of Radhima coastline will show. The beaches of the
area have beautiful colours, with contrasts between the blue
waters of the sea and the green hills with Mediterranean
vegetation. As distance grows, 40 km south of the city of
Vlora, the National Park of Llogara shows in all its
splendour. This natural pearl lies 1025 metres above sea
level. After crossing the Llogara Pass a descent leads
towards the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. It is one of the
most beautiful tourism areas of Albania,
11
Gusht, 2014
The mussels dish as they are cooked in Saranda
Preparation:
2 bunches of parsley
4 garlic slices
1/2 coffee cups of cognac
2 cups of olive oil
A little salt
A pinch of chilli pepper
Preparation:
First wash the mussels and then boil them for 10 minutes.
At the same time, in another dish (saucepan) pour two
cups of olive oil and the garlic slices which should be well
crushed. Then add finely chopped parsley, pepper and the
salt. Then cook the ingredients until the water starts to boil.
After removing the mussels from the cooker, pour them in
the preparation with olive oil and leave them inside for
5-10 minutes with a closed lid. They should not stay inside
for more than 10 minutes. Before taking them out, add
cognac for a good flavour. Mussels release a very tasty
and nutritious liquid which can be best eaten with a toast.
The food can then be served in wide bows and
accompanied by different salads, while for a drink, we
recommend white wine.
Kallmi, this small Riviera
Somewhere, after Currila, south of the city of Durres,
behind a narrow unpaved road, hides one of the most
beautiful Riviera of Albania. The road winds down a pine
forest which for every tourist and citizen hides mysteries
and fosters curiosity. During the second half of the XX
century, Kallmi was an entirely blocked territory used only
by the military. It started to be rediscovered after 2000. In
order to quench your curiosity, you have to suffer a bit,
driving through a few kilometres of road in the midst of a
fabulous, intact nature. Trails of dust rise behind the car,
but after passing the military regimen a rare and
enchanting panorama opens up and the air is full of flower
fragrances
12
Gusht, 2014
The hills of Kallmi are a great and outstanding treasure
which nature bestowed generously on the city of
Durrës.The travel continues up a steep road, on foot, while
below is the crystal clear sea. Some improvised bars
welcome the few tourists. In contrast to the great beach or
to Currila beach, Kallmi consists of small sea bays and
rocky beaches. It is one of the few places along the Durres
coastline that reminds us of the beaches in the Ionian
Riviera. The natural beauty which characterises this area
makes it very attractive for tourists, even though it is still
unknown.
In Tirana, in the “e-mages” exhibition of artist Helidon Gjergji
The “E-mages” exhibition of artist Helidon Gjergji is
opened in the National Gallery of Arts.
This is the first exhibition the artist has had in the NGA.
The project of the artists consists of “a video projection of
images published by Ketevan Geladze, Stalin’s mother”
who selected some photos from her family photo albums
(with due sensitivity for the social networks).
The artist combined them elegantly and accompanied
them with a waltz from
Shostakovich (orchestrated by Andrea Rieu. matrioska”, is
first projected on a broken mirror and then reflected on the
wall in a fragmented form. Helidon Gjergji was born in
1970 and was graduated in the Academy of Arts in Tirana
in 1994 and in the Naples Academy of Fine Arts in 1996.
He has a Master of Visual Arts from the North-western
University of Chicago, USA. Since 2004 he lives and
works in New York. The exhibition will remain open until 24
August 2014.
13