Skanderbeg Square, Central square in Tirana, Albania
Skanderbeg Square is the central plaza of Tirana, anchored by a large bronze statue of national hero Gjergj Kastrioti in its center. The 40,000-square-meter space is surrounded by government buildings and major cultural venues.
The square was established in 1917 by Austrian authorities as a roundabout and underwent multiple redesigns to become the Balkans' largest pedestrian zone. This transformation reflects Tirana's shifting role throughout the 20th century.
The square is framed by important cultural institutions that reflect different chapters of Albanian history. The National Historical Museum, Palace of Culture, National Opera, and Ethem Bey Mosque together create a space where past and present meet.
The space is easy to navigate and serves as a central hub where paths branch out in all directions. Recent improvements include underground parking facilities while the open surface makes walking simple and accessible.
The current design incorporates twelve planted gardens with native plants that make the space feel greener throughout the year. The sloped surface is cleverly engineered to collect rainwater automatically for irrigation of these green areas.
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