Cultural heritage of Albania

• Illyrian heritage: The foundation of Albanian culture lies in Illyrian and Dardanian traditions, which had unique pagan beliefs and ways of life. The Illyrians are known as the ancestors of the Albanians, with deep influences on the culture and language of the country.^[2][3]
• Ancient Greek and Roman Influences: With the arrival of ancient Greeks and Romans, Albania and Albanians adopted distinctive architectural styles, evident in Roman amphitheaters and the city of Apollonia. These influences continue to be visible in the country's archaeological sites.^[4]

• Iso-Polyphonic Folk Music: This UNESCO-recognized tradition is a unique vocal music style characterized by complex harmonies and layered melodies. Often sung at festivals and celebrations, it's a powerful expression of Albanian cultural identity. You can find variations like the Labëri style from southern Albania and the Toskëri style from central Albania.
• Epic Ballads: Albanian folklore thrives on epic poems (Kângë Kreshnikësh) sung by men called "lahuta players," accompanying themselves on a one-stringed instrument called a lahuta. These ballads narrate tales of bravery, historical events, and legendary heroes, keeping traditions alive for generations.^[5]
• Traditional Costumes: While Western styles dominate cities, rural areas showcase a vibrant display of traditional dress. Colorful embroidery, headwear with unique styles like the "plis" (folded hat) in southern Albania, and regional variations in clothing styles all contribute to the richness of Albanian attire. The Xhubleta was included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by UNESCO in 2022.^[6][7]

Albania boasts numerous museums and monuments that reflect the country's rich history, cultural and artistic traditions, as well as archaeological finds. In general, there are a number of museums and monuments of archaeological, historical, ethnographic and artistic character.

Museums

• National History Museum (Albania):The largest museum in Albania, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the communist era. Highlights include the replica of Skanderbeg's sword and a collection of icons by Onufri.
• National Museum of Medieval Art (Korçë):A collection of Albanian art from the Middle Ages, featuring icons, frescoes, and religious artifacts.
• Marubi National Museum of Photography (Shkodër):The first museum of photography in Albania, showcasing the works of pioneer photographers like Pjetër Marubi.

Monuments

• Krujë Castle: The historical center of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire, led by national hero Skanderbeg.
• Ardenica Monastery: This picturesque monastery complex dates back to the 13th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes and Byzantine architecture.
• Et'hem Bey Mosque: A striking example of Ottoman religious architecture, this mosque is famed for its colorful frescoes and wall decorations, a rarity in Islamic houses of worship.
• Apollonia Archaeological Park: Explore the ruins of this ancient Greek colony, once a major port city. Unearth temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis, a theater, and the foundations of houses.

Despite being a small country, Albania boasts three sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List:

• Butrint (Latin: Buthrōtum) was an ancient Greek city, then a Roman one and the seat of a late Roman bishopric After a period of abandonment it was occupied by the Byzantines the Angevins and the Venetians. It was finally abandoned in the late Middle Ages. Prominent archeological sites include a Greek theater, a late-antique baptistery, a ninth-century basilica, and fortifications from the period of the Greek colony to the Middle Ages.
• Berat: Berat's most famous nickname, "City of a Thousand Windows", refers to the countless windows that pierce the facades of the Ottoman houses cascading down the hillside. The city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, comprises a unique style of architecture with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries throughout the history. Like many cities in Albania, Berat comprises an old fortified city filled with churches and mosques painted with grandiose wealth of visible murals and frescos. Berat is one of the main cultural centres of the country.^[8]
• Gjirokastër: Gjirokastër's historic center was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It's recognized for being an exceptional example of an Ottoman town.^[8]

• Culture of Albania
• Palace of Culture of Tirana
• List of World Heritage Sites in Albania
• National Institute of Cultural Heritage (Albania)
• List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in Albania