Visions of Albania

Copyright Maria Vella-Galea 2004

This picture was taken in a remote village, in the Southern part of Albania, during a weekend trip I managed to take with some colleagues back in June 2004.

The village, of which I cannot remember the name, consisted of a few dilapidated buildings which seems to reflect the state of the people living there.

This woman, did not react to four young people travelling in a jeep, but continued to walk steadfastly towards her chosen destination, wherever that was......

Visions of Albania (2)

Copyright Maria Vella-Galea, June 2004


Sunset over Porto Palermo

Porto Palermo, in Southern Albania, is by no means a bustling port.

During the harsh Communist rule, this place was out of bounds for non-military personnel since it used to be the site of a military installation complete with submarine tunnels - now this place is completely abandoned and left in ruins.

The abandoning of this area by the military enables free access to a gorgeous castle built by Ali Pasha (1741 - 1822) a semi-independent despot who allied himself with whoever offered the most advantage at the time.