Shkoder
ShkoderShkodër is one of the oldest cities in Albania.
It is located in the north of the country, almost on the border with Kosovo and Montenegro.
It is one of the travel destinations offered by Holidays in Albania.
A stop in Shkodra is always included in our itineraries in Northern Albania or in Montenegro and Kosovo.
Shkodra has always been considered the Albanian cultural capital, home to the oldest universities and ancient artistic traditions.
Despite the dominations (the Republic of Venice, the Ottomans, the Italians and not least the communist regime), the city has managed not to lose its vocation for art and culture.
Shkodra Castle is the first to welcome visitors to the city.
Its dominant position allows you to see it from any direction you arrive and is the main tourist attraction of the city.
During our travels we never neglect a visit to the Rosafa Castle. In addition to its historical importance (it was used by the Romans, the Venetians, the Ottomans) from its terraces you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Scutari and the drainage basin formed by the meeting of the Kir and Drin rivers.
In addition to the Rosafa Castle, the city of Shkodra has many other treasures, some belonging to the past and others that still live on that artistic ferment that has never been exhausted despite time and difficulties.
What to see in Shkoder
Important urban renewal interventions (including the pedestrian area that cuts the historic city center in two) have restored part of its ancient splendor to Shkoder. One of the most significant features of Shkodra (and of all the cities and villages in Albania) is the presence (facing each other) of the Mosque, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
A clear sign of the effects of a lively cultural life with very ancient roots that has imprinted on the mentality of citizens the uselessness of the clash between different religions and the enlightened peaceful coexistence as a natural consequence of their way of life.
Another place to visit in the vicinity of Shkodra is the Mes bridge dating back to ancient times and was restored in 1770 by the Ottomans. Today it is a tourist attraction for its historical importance and for the beauty of the place and the landscape.
In the heart of the city of Shkodra, you can admire the statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who is considered "Albanian" throughout Albania even though her birthplace is Skopje, the capital of present-day North Macedonia.
Another curiosity to visit in Shkoder is the clock tower. The building is also known as the "English clock".
Its origin is attributed to an English Lord who was in Albania to spread Protestantism at the end of the 19th century. Once he moved to Shkodra he wanted to have a building built in the Albanian medieval style. Today the building is different from all the others and seems to come from another era than all the others.
What to do in Shkodra
Gastronomic tastings
Shkodra is a city that can offer a lot to tourists who visit it. One of the possible experiential activities to try in the city is also the favorite of Italians: the discovery of its gastronomic tradition!
Traditional restaurants in Shkodra are a real tourist attraction. A food and wine tour in the city is a travel experience appreciated by all passing tourists.
Our guides know all the best restaurants in which to try the goodness of typical Albanian recipes.
Excursions
Starting from Shkodra, it is possible to organize magnificent excursions into nature and practice activities such as Trekking, Hiking, Canoe.
The beauty of nature around Shkodra allows you to practice all kinds of open air activities.
In less than an hour by car you can reach Koman, where a hydroelectric dam has created a system of lakes and rivers that are very beautiful to visit.
Street Art in Shkoder
Shkodra is famous for its cultural tradition and for the presence of universities dating back to the Middle Ages but it is still very active and the cultural movement is far from exhausted.
In this wonderful cultural context it was born Nermin Shurdha.
His is a family of artists, who indulge (since the early years of his life) his passion for painting and the arts.
The family context, combined with the influences of a city that does not forget its roots, allow Nermin to continue his studies (first the high school and then the prestigious Faculty of Economics) and continue to cultivate his passion for painting.
She told us about her adolescence spent in a family context where her father and aunts were artists who allowed her to cultivate her talent for the visual arts.
Today his main activity as an artist takes place in the streets of Shkodra and his works are beautiful murals visible to all.
He explained to us that he had chosen this particular form of art following the teaching of his father who used to say: "one day we will die and we will no longer be there, perhaps the only memory people will have of me will probably be my works" .
This is perhaps the reason why Nermin chose "murals" to express his art even though he claims to practice painting as a "rebellion" against normality and the ordinary.
Painting on the walls and making his works immediately available to all passers-by allows you to communicate faster the message he wants to convey with his paintings.
What other city could Nermin have chosen if not his hometown?
As I have already said, Scutari has always been considered the cradle of Albanian culture and therefore our friend found it natural to choose the walls of her city to spread her art.
The city immediately grasped the works of its fellow citizen with affection and interest and we are happy to tell you about this beautiful Albanian reality that we invite you to visit!
If you decide to travel with us, we will certainly include stops near the works of Nermin Shurdha.
