Lapidaris are partisan memorials from communist times that remind of the battles and fighters against the fascism. They can be found all over Albania for around 1.000 have been built of which 680 are still standing today. Those abstract, vertical monuments are usually located at significant places like historical important places, city centers or uplifted positions so they can be seen from far away. And two of these are on the mountain/hill chain on the southwest side of Tirana from which I want to lead you to one.
From there you will have an incredible view over the entire city, the artificial lake park as well as the really high mountains in the distance such as Dajti. You can even see the city Kruja.
HOW TO GET HERE?
There is supposed to be an official hiking trail which I couldn’t find. I walked once the direct way up the hill but I cannot recommend for there is no real path and simply way too many bushes and trees and it’s just not worth it. Instead you can walk the asphalted street which is a little longer but also much easier to hike because the elevation is not that steep.
For a more detailed track I uploaded the way I walked on wikiloc: https://de.wikiloc.com/routen-wandern/tirana-lapidari-sauk-best-city-view-136239647
You can start the hike at the lake park. There are actually two ways to get to the top. So you can choose either or do a round trip. I will now describe how I did it:
I started following the normal way around the lake until I crossed the highway through an underpass. Then we continue, pass a little lake on the right and after the lake we turn right. Now we are at Garunjas (Sauk). Here we take the asphalted road and walk uphill. We stay on that road for quite a while until it ends. Where it ends is a crossing with another asphalted road. We turn right and follow that road further uphill. On our way we pass some lonely remote houses which are getting less. We also pass a memorial obelisk on our left. At some point we leave the asphalt road and go right. There might be a construction site looking fence entrance which may make the impression that it’s a closed area. But it’s not. Just pass around the entrance and enter. If there are security people just tell them you are tourists and want to take pictures from the viewing point. They will even help you find the way.
Walk up the stairs and approach the Lapidari Monument. Here you first have to enjoy the amazing view. It really is breathtakingly incredible.
Then you can find the cache and either return the way you came or take the second option down.
For the second option you continue in the direction. The road is now not asphalted anymore. You can see on the top of the next following hill an antenna station. That’s where we are going. From here you can again enjoy the view. At the point where going up to the station we turn left and the road leads us around the hill on the southern side, so away from the city. The road continues downhill until we reach the residence area “Kodra Diellit” (Sunny Hill). Even if we don’t live here we can enter as a pedestrian and walk through there. We reach on the other side the botanic garden and make our way back to the artificial lake.
There is basically not much you can do wrong when going up and down there via this way. Just stay on the road. In summer keep in mind to bring enough water and some snacks to enjoy the break up top maybe. The total hike is probably something between 8,5 and 10km depending on which route you choose.
ABOUT THE CACHE:
It is a plastic PETling hidden behind a loose rock in the wall on the south of the memorial. Beware of muggles. Pictures of you on the place with the view in the logs are appreciated 😊
Now good luck finding. Enjoy the view. Have fun on your hike and I hope you like Tirana!