Mother Albania, War memorial monument in Tirana, Albania.
Mother Albania is a 12-meter bronze statue depicting a woman holding a sword and shield, positioned atop a hill that overlooks Tirana. The figure stands within a cemetery complex and commands the landscape with its upright stance and gaze across the capital.
Sculptor A.K. Samos created this monument in 1971 to honor Albanians who died as partisans during World War II. The work emerged during a period when the nation was establishing lasting memorials to commemorate its wartime sacrifices.
The statue represents Albania as a protective mother figure, embodying the connection between the living and those who died for the nation. People gather here for commemorations and quiet reflection, transforming this place into a living symbol of collective memory and shared values.
The monument is reached by climbing stairs through the National Martyrs Cemetery, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path climbs steeply and the steps are long.
The monument serves as the centerpiece of a sprawling cemetery where tens of thousands of Albanians who died during the war are buried. The graves are arranged in rows that extend across the landscape, visually emphasizing the scale of sacrifice.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
