One of the Richest collections of Albanian Items

Fancy an authentic Albanian souvenir to take home with you? Then head down to this beautifully curated store, located near Avni Rustemi Square, it has one of the richest collections of Albanian items available for purchase.

One of the most frequently asked questions by any tourist in Tirana is, where to buy the best souvenirs in the city? One thing is for sure, you are spoilt for choice as there are many shops in Tirana for such a purchase. However, some are definitely better than others! Kruja is amongst those in the former camp, a shop that sells authentic, handmade souvenirs perfect for a memorable gift or memento of your time in Albania. Kruja can be found at the entrance of Hoxha Tahsim St., near Avni Rustemi Square.

Entrance of Souvenir “Kruja”, photo by IntoAlbania.

Souvenir “Kruja” entrance, photo by IntoAlbania.

The success and attraction of this shop is not surprising as it originally gained its notoriety in the town of Kruja. The owner, Aida Berhami, tells us that the original shop was located in the old Kruja Bazaar, which had its own copper workshop. Due to its growing popularity in Kruja, Aida decided to open yet another location in Tirana. Here, she enjoys a very loyal customer base, even amongst locals.

The owner of the shop, Aida Berhami. Photo by IntoAlbania.

Inside the shop, photo by IntoAlbania.

Pick up a beautifully quaint land or cityscape carving, or how about a traditional cesves used for making Turkish coffee. There is a wide variety of decorative objects and accessories behind the success of this shop, it’s not just the original copper souvenirs Aida stocks. Thanks to a select network of artisans and collectors from across the country, the shop is something more akin to a cultural museum, with new and old handmade creations.

Traditional carpet from the Has region, photo by IntoAlbania.

Some of the authentic souvenirs inside the shop, photo by IntoAlbania.

Traditional clothing from the region of Mirdita, photo by IntoAlbania.

It’s tough to make a selection however as you must choose from traditional Albanian kilts, stunning folk costumes and intricately manufactured vests, all of which decorate the walls of the shop. Aida always steps in to give a helping hand in these indecisive cases, she knows the story behind each individual item and offers her expert suggestions according to your desires. It’s a great place to buy Albania’s famed filigram products, traditionally worked with silver and gold thread. You will definitely appreciate and value the creativity, elegance and quality of the expert craftsmanship that goes into each item.

Filigram jewelry, photo by IntoAlbania.

That’s not all though. You can find quite niche artefacts such as folk costumes deriving from the remote Has and Zadrima regions, truly authentic bags and rugs from Kruja, as well as the world’s warmest socks from Kukes and Shkodra. Music lovers might want to grab a lute created by masterful hands and design enthusiasts can go for decorative tiles with a more contemporary take on traditional Albanian symbols, but one thing is for sure, you will be spoilt for choice!

Traditional silk scarf from Zadrima. Photo by IntoAlbania.

A traditional kitchen item. Photo by IntoAlbania.

Traditional clothing from Berat region, photo by IntoAlbania.

Traditional clothing from the region of Shkodra. Photo by IntoAlbania.

Traditional clothing from the region of Lezha, photo by IntoAlbania.

Thanks to these original items and many more, we simply must suggest you head down to the store. Even those not looking to specifically purchase a souvenir, will most likely find something that they love!