Tirana’s main square, Sheshi Skenderbej is named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu. The total area is about 40.000 square metres and it is dominated by the Skanderbeg Monument. In 1917, the Austrians built a public square, where the Skanderbeg Square is located nowadays. The space was initially designed in a circular shape by three architects of Mussolini’s Italy: Florentano de Fausto, Gherardo Bosio and Armando Brasini. During the time of the Albanian monarchy from 1928 to 1939, the square was composed of a number of buildings that would eventually be detonated during the communist period. The square was composed of a roundabout with a fountain in the center. Besides the construction of the above new elements during communism, the statue of Albania's leader Enver Hoxha was erected at the space between the National Historical Museum and the National Bank. Following the fall of communism in 1991, the statue would be removed amid student-led demonstrations. Since June 2017, the square has been renovated and is now part of the biggest pedestrian zone in the Balkans. The square will also serve as a local farmers market with vendors from rural Tirana showcasing their organic products
Today this building contains the Opera and the National Library. The mosaic on the façade of the National History Museum represents the flow of Albanian history. The Puppet Theater has a surprising past: before World War II it housed King Zog’s parliament. Other sights here include the imposing red-brick National Bank, the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the clock tower.