Tirana

Having been a country sealed off from the rest of the world for most of my lifetime Albania, and especially its capital, Tirana have a faintly exotic appeal. Its tourist attractions though are somewhat limited beyond a centre comprising both fascist and communist influences. The massive Socialist realist mural depicting heroes of the Revolution overlooks a featureless central square beyond which extends Mussolini's wide boulevard's.Capitalism is forging ahead with leafy streets swanky shops displaying high priced fashions overlooked by Soviet style housing blocks enlivened by gaudy patchwork painting courtesy of the artistic mayor.