Photos

"The Albanians," a colorful mosaic on the facade of the National Historical Museum in Tirana, depicts the evolution of Albanian history from ancient Illyrians to 20th-century partisans.

Skanderbeg Square in the center of Tirana as viewed from the city's clock tower.

Under Communism, everything was grey and dreary. Today, Tirana's buildings are splashed with color; these are apartment buildings.

Seventy percent of the surface of Albania is covered by the mountains of the Dinaric and Pindus Alps. The 1,230-meter tall Mount Dajti of the Dinaric range overlooks Tirana.

Mosaics in the Durres Amphitheater. Constructed in the 2nd century A.D., the structure could seat 20,000 people. First discovered in the late 1900's, the amphitheater is only half unearthed.

The town of Kruje is renowned as the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero. The 15th-century military leader is remembered for his prolonged but successful struggle against the Ottoman Empire.

Stairs leading up to the Castle in Kruje where Skanderbeg and his troops withstood three sieges by the Ottomans.

View from the castle at Kruje.

Petrela Castle (outside Tirana) was the home of Skanderbeg's sister and part of his defense network against the Ottomans. The central tower dates from 500 A.D. and the surrounding Byzantine fortifications date from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Sunset over the Dinaric Alps.

Sunset over the Dinaric Alps.