Grand Park

About this place

Tirana's Grand Park, or Artificial Lake Park, is a 289-hectare public park in the south of the city, centred on a 55-hectare lake. It is one of the most relaxing places in the capital, with locals coming to run and walk in the morning and for family strolls in the evening. The park was created in 1955 and 1956 to a Bulgarian plan and was once named after St Procopius, for a small church inside it. It holds memorials to Albanian figures, along with graves of British, Australian and German soldiers from the Second World War. The Presidential Palace stands at its edge. Long paths let you circle the lake among about 120 species of trees, shrubs and flowers. At the southern end are the zoo and the 14.5-hectare Botanical Garden, and the Summer Theatre stands close to the lake. Cafes and restaurants nearby look over the water. The park starts at the south end of Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, past the University of Tirana, and 1.7 km in a straight line from Bunk'Art 2, so you can walk there. Early morning or the hour before sunset suits it best, as midday is hot in summer. The lake circuit is long, so bring water and comfortable shoes.