Skanderberg Monument, Tirana
Standing 11 meters in length, this monument memorializes George Kastrioti Skanderberg, who was called the "Dragon of Albania," representing Albanian individuality because of the resistance to the Ottoman invasion during his rule. The monument is made of bronze, featuring Skanderberg atop a horse on a stone foundation. It was erected on the 500th anniversary of Skanderberg's death. It also happens to be known as the masterpiece of Albanian sculptor, Odhise Paskali, who is famous for such renowned sculptures as The Hungry and The National Fighter. The statue is located in Skanderberg Square, Tirana, Albania.
Monument of Independence
Featured on many Albanian postage stamps during the communist period, the Monument of Independence is located in the town center of Vlora. Unveiled in 1972, it is the magnificent work of celebrated Albanian sculptors Kristaq Rama, Shaban Haderi, and Muntaz Dhrami, and memorializes the day of Albaninan independence. The statue features a bearer standing upon a rock with several well-known figures from the Albanian Independence movement, including Ismail Quemali, who was the founder of the modern Albanian state and its first head of state and government. It is also located in the main square of the town of Vlora, otherwise known as "The Square of the Flag."
Kuzum Baba Monument
Located on the Eastern part of the Vlora region, the Kuzum Baba monument is a religious monument composed of a terrace carved out by sea waters. It is located about 30 meters above sea level and is almost 300 meters long. From the vantage point of this monument you can see the beach and the entire city below. It represents the religious center of the Bekatashi sect in the Vlora region and travellers can walk further up the hill to visit the centuries-old religious center, the Kuz Baba Masjid.
Article Written By Marc A
Marc Andreottola has been a published writer for nine years. He earned his B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.F.A. in fiction from Brown University. He has published pieces in "The Barcelona Review," "Useless Magazine," "Pop Matters," "K48," "The Lifted Brow" and elsewhere.
