For a trip from Velipoje, the Tirana Mosaic offers a city-side look at Albania’s archaeological layers: it is an archaeological site and museum on Rruga Mihal Ciko, with mosaics and building remains from several periods. Its geometric and floral designs make a focused stop within a longer outing to Tirana.
- Location: Rruga Mihal Ciko, Tirana, Albania
- Opening pattern: Open Monday to Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday
- Admission: 400 LEK for foreign adults; lower rates apply to local adults, students and pensioners, and children under 12 enter free
What is the Tirana Mosaic?
The Mosaic of Tirana is an archaeological site showing remains associated with a Roman villa and later settlement. The Municipality of Tirana says it was discovered accidentally in 1972 during construction of an apartment block in the Partizani block.
The site is thought to have been part of a rural villa, or villa rustica, built in the 1st century AD.
By the 3rd century AD, the settlement is thought to have been replaced by a complex divided into a residential pars urbana and an agricultural pars rusticae. A Paleo-Christian church may have occupied the Roman villa’s site in the 4th–5th centuries AD.
The mosaic’s geometric and floral motifs include a stylized braid, rosettes and fish. Across the wider site, you can also find paved street sections and foundations of public and private buildings. The mosaic was declared a cultural monument in 1973.
Where is the Tirana Mosaic in the city?
The Tirana Mosaic is at Rruga Mihal Ciko, Tirana, Albania. That address places the archaeological site within the city, rather than at a separate destination outside Tirana.
The site combines mosaic remains with traces of buildings and streets, so its setting is part of the archaeological picture. The Municipality describes the sequence of Roman-era and later use, while the preserved remains include both public and private building foundations.
How do you plan the trip from Velipoje?
Plan the visit as an excursion to Tirana, not as a nearby stop from Velipoje. From Hotel Athina, the drive to Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa takes about 107 minutes; this is the airport journey, not a travel time to the mosaic.
At the site, the official information identifies the UNAZA bus line and stop 16 – Inxhinieria as public-transport access. Hotel Athina is in Velipoje.
There is no parking within the site, and the official site recommends arriving on foot. If you are organizing a group visit, schools, university groups, cultural delegations and other organized groups should contact the site in advance.
Guided visits can be arranged in Albanian or English, and requests should be made at least one week before the desired date. Educational visits for schools are free.
How much time should you allow?
The site brings together archaeological remains and visitor displays, including multimedia and interactive installations. These include a digital restoration of the mosaics and a 3D reconstruction of the Roman villa, alongside displays of the archaeological remains in the visitor building.
If you are also arranging your stay in Velipoje, how to get around Velipoje without a car covers local transport there.
Access and visitor information
The Mosaic of Tirana is open to the public throughout the year. Admission is 400 LEK for foreign adults, 300 LEK for local adults, and 100 LEK for students and pensioners; children under 12 enter free. Local citizens also have free admission on the last Sunday of each month.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00–16:00
- Friday: 8:00–14:00
- Saturday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The site reopened to the public on 23 January 2010. Before you go, check the official site for visitor information, including hours and admission, as these details can change.
FAQs
What is the official name of the Tirana Mosaic?
Its official name is the Mosaic of Tirana. It is an archaeological site and museum on Rruga Mihal Ciko.
What can you see at the site?
You can see mosaics, paved street sections and foundations of public and private buildings. The visitor building also includes multimedia installations and a 3D reconstruction of the Roman villa.
Is the Tirana Mosaic open on Mondays?
Open Monday to Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday. No.
Can groups arrange a guided visit?
Yes. Guided visits can be arranged in Albanian or English, and organized groups should contact the site at least one week before their requested date.