- What to bring from Albania from souvenirs?
- Traditional gifts
- Legacy of the recent past
- Alcoholic souvenirs
Traveling through the Albanian territories, tourists all the time catch themselves thinking that they cannot understand where they are in Europe or Asia, in the Christian world or in the Muslim world. Here is a kind of crossroads, a meeting place between West and East, Christian and Muslim religions, different civilizations and cultures. This is reflected in souvenir products, so there is no problem of what to bring from Albania. It is important to decide which of your family and friends is interested in, and then go in search of the right presentation.
What to bring from Albania from souvenirs?
Currently, Albania is experiencing a rapid growth in the tourism industry, respectively, on sale you can find many different little things that remind you of the country and its attractions. Such souvenirs are good for travelers who have limited funds or, conversely, have enough funds, but there are many relatives and friends waiting for the return of the tourist.
The most popular gifts from Albania: souvenir plates; key rings; postcards; magnets. There is one feature that unites them - the presence of the state emblem, the image is very stylish and recognizable, a two-headed eagle of black color against the background of a dark red shield. A large number of souvenir shops are naturally located in the center of Tirana, in the historic heart of the city. You can bargain, if there are a lot of souvenirs, then the discount is guaranteed.
Traditional gifts
Albania has its own crafts dating back more than one hundred years. Firstly, here since ancient times they have learned to skillfully process marble, crafts from this noble and very beautiful material are on the list of the most favorite among tourists. There is only one drawback - marble figurines, candlesticks and ashtrays are quite heavy, so tourists need to think carefully before making such a purchase.
Secondly, silversmiths continue to create in Albania, inheriting technology and craftsmanship from their ancestors. Most often, they offer to buy the following items that help to become more beautiful: chains with complex weaving; earrings; pendants; sets of bracelets. Tourists with a large wallet can decide to buy a silver belt, richly decorated and with a touch of antiquity.
A trip to the town of Kruja can be interesting, its name is translated very beautifully - "spring". In the XII century, the settlement became the capital of the first Albanian state formation, and today it is a beautiful place with an amazing atmosphere. Guests dream of getting to the street in Kruja, where there are many shops selling wood products: various crafts, souvenirs and furniture, which enjoys special attention of guests. Such natural gifts will be appreciated by mothers and grandmothers, young women who adore cuisine and cooking.
Copper dishes can be a good gift for them, most often on sale you can find dishes and plates that are not utilitarian, but decorative. Many of them are decorated with stories from the past, telling about the life of the Albanians, ancient Romans or Greeks.
Legacy of the recent past
The recent ruler of Albania, the dictator Hoxha, believed that the country was surrounded by enemies, and therefore it was necessary to build defensive fortifications, including individual ones. He considered bunkers to be one of the most important, they say that there are more than five hundred thousand such shelters in the country to this day, where only one person can hide.
Today Albania has embarked on a peaceful path of development, but bunkers, as reminders of the recent past, are present in souvenirs. They appear on postcards and magnets, and the most popular commodity is ashtrays, made in the form of this defensive fortification.
Alcoholic souvenirs
The choice of food and drinks in Albania is quite wide, but, unfortunately, it is often very difficult to choose authentic, delicious brands. As for drinks, experienced travelers advise buying beer from the Korcha company for gifts; this enterprise ranks third in the country in terms of the volume of produced foamy drink.
The beginning of production dates back to 1928, the Italians and Albanians stood at the origins, not so long ago the brewery underwent significant technological changes, the latest Czech equipment was installed, water from natural sources located on the Morava Mountain is used. It is especially good to visit the brewery in August, when the traditionally held beer festival includes many different events. The most popular is, of course, the tasting of new varieties developed over the course of the year.
Albanian grape wines can be recommended from other products with a degree, and from stronger ones - cognac and rakia. In general, the country will delight foreign tourists with a wide range of souvenirs, things and products that can act as a gift for relatives.
