Grand Park of Tirana

The Grand Park, today often called the Lake Park (Parku i Liqenit), is Tirana's central recreation space. Set in the south of the city, it covers around 230 hectares and contains the Artificial Lake, a reservoir built in the 1950s. Italian planners had first sketched the area in the 1920s; it was developed under Enver Hoxha as a flagship recreation site. Half of Tirana now meets here to jog, row or picnic. A busy walkway loops the lake, with a small peninsula of cafes on the east shore. The botanical garden, zoo and several sports facilities adjoin directly. The park is open 24 hours but is at its most appealing around dusk.