Albania’s Riviera of the Ionian Sea

Albania has been Europe’s most intriguing enigma while it has been closed to outsiders for much of the 20th century. During this time, the country has been rumoured to have some of the most spectacular mountains, ancient ruins, historic fortress towns, turquoise Mediterranean coves, and long stretches of sandy beaches.

Not long after Mussolini, the Italian dictator, invaded Albania in 1939, the monarchy was abolished and King Zog was deposed. The Communist Party was formed with Enver Hoxha, another brutal dictator, as ruler. When the Italians surrendered to Hoxha’s Communists, the Germans stepped in and occupied Albania. Months before the fall of Hitler, the Germans withdrew and Hoxha created a totalitarian regime based in Tirana, the capital. The Communists began to nationalise all industries and years of international isolation followed.

Hoxha, a staunch atheist, did all he could to eradicate all traces of religion from Albania. He destroyed religious buildings and banned all religions. Even though Hoxha died in 1985, his tyrannical regime continued until national elections were held in 1991, at which time religious freedom was reintroduced and Albania slowly opened to the outside world.

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Globerovers Magazine Dec 2019

THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE IN
Globerovers Magazine Dec 2019