Added in early 2002 as the second main pillar of the Kunstsammlung and accommodating contemporary art was the Ständehaus am Kaiserteich, until 1988 the seat of the Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. Four wings with continuous arcades surround the building’s central public area, a spacious plaza. The creative treatment of this representative building in the Historicist style (1876-80) by the Munich architectural office of Kiessler + Partner created a modern museum building with a striking glaze domed roof which shapes the building’s aesthetic and at the same time spans an expansive sculpture garden located on the uppermost level. Together, a flexible hall for temporary exhibitions in the ground floor level and the upper galleries comprise more than 5300 m² of surface area. Installations and artist’s rooms are an important focus of the Kunstsammlung, an area which has been expanded continuously in recent years.

The 35-metre tall Clock Tower is a symbol of Tirana, built in 1822 by the poet and architect Et'hem bey Mollaj, who also completed the nearby Et'hem Bey Mosque. You can climb the 90 spiralling steps for an excellent view of the bustling life in Skanderbeg Square below. At night, the tower is beautifully lit, making it a striking feature in the city’s skyline.

A 12-hectare oasis just outside the bustling Central Business District, Uhuru Park is a most beloved hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. It has seen several important events in history, and has managed to preserve its significance thanks to Nobel Peace Prise-winner Wangari Maathai, the most important environmental activist to date in Kenya.

The entire central market neighbourhood is a gourmet food haven, which captures the spirit of the culture. Local cheese, meat, fruit, honey and homemade raki can be found here. This is a spectacular place to stroll, nibble local food and absorb the vitality of Albanian life.