Vlora on the Albanian Riviera, Vlora, Albania
Vlora (also spelt Vlor毛) resembles a butterfly emerging from the Communist chrysalis that enveloped Albania until 1991. Ideally situated on a stunning coastline Vlora is the second largest port in Albania. Its seafront has already been transformed into an open area surrounded by bars.
Vlora has had plenty to celebrate in the past. It was the first Albanian town to celebrate independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. It was here that Ismail Qemali raised the 鈥榥ew鈥� flag of Albania 鈥� double headed eagle on a red background. And it was here that Ismail Qemali served as Albania鈥檚 first prime minister in a nineteenth century building that is now the National Museum of Independence commemorating Albania鈥檚 independence. Qemali鈥檚 reign as Prime Minister may have been brief but his spirit lives on in Vlora. His office has been preserved in the museum. His name has been given to the main boulevard that stretches from the sea front to the centre of town.
Ismail Qemali Boulevard straddles two eras as modern buildings, shops and cafes line one side but opposite them are the drab blocks from the Communist era. Efforts are being made to brighten them up with colourful murals and small, green parks provide places of rest and refreshment for the locals. The local men that is. Traditionally Albanian men meet to drink coffee and chat. This is an activity that can take several hours. Meanwhile the women are at work either in the home or on the streets selling anything they can find to sell. The brilliant hues of fresh produce provide a sharp contrast with the black garb of women over sixty. Tradition dictates this is the colour widows must wear once they reach the age of sixty. Male widowers can wear what they like whatever age they are. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
Vlora has had plenty to celebrate in the past. It was the first Albanian town to celebrate independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. It was here that Ismail Qemali raised the 鈥榥ew鈥� flag of Albania 鈥� double headed eagle on a red background. And it was here that Ismail Qemali served as Albania鈥檚 first prime minister in a nineteenth century building that is now the National Museum of Independence commemorating Albania鈥檚 independence. Qemali鈥檚 reign as Prime Minister may have been brief but his spirit lives on in Vlora. His office has been preserved in the museum. His name has been given to the main boulevard that stretches from the sea front to the centre of town.
Ismail Qemali Boulevard straddles two eras as modern buildings, shops and cafes line one side but opposite them are the drab blocks from the Communist era. Efforts are being made to brighten them up with colourful murals and small, green parks provide places of rest and refreshment for the locals. The local men that is. Traditionally Albanian men meet to drink coffee and chat. This is an activity that can take several hours. Meanwhile the women are at work either in the home or on the streets selling anything they can find to sell. The brilliant hues of fresh produce provide a sharp contrast with the black garb of women over sixty. Tradition dictates this is the colour widows must wear once they reach the age of sixty. Male widowers can wear what they like whatever age they are. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Guide Name: Vlora on the Albanian Riviera
Guide Location: Albania » Vlora
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (B))
Author: Valery Collins
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Albania » Vlora
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (B))
Author: Valery Collins
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- National Museum of Independence
- Petro Marko
- Ismail Qemali Boulevard
- Muradie Mosque
- Flag Square
- Independence Monument
- Kuzum Baba
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