After five decades under an iron-fist dictatorship, dozens of thousands of Albanians tried to leave the country with whatever they could, many taking ships to Italy. Today there are 480,000 Albanians in Italy, making one of the biggest community in the neighbouring country.
Few could have imagined that 25 years later, many Italians would turn their attention to Albania not only for the beaches and cultural attractions, but also for living and working here.
There are around 25,000 Italians living in Tirana, most of them students or business owners, focused on the renewable energy sector, digital technology and restaurants.
Many Italian media outlets have commented the fact, even considering Albania the “America” of some of them. But how do they feel in our country?
Francesca Tarallo and Fabio Rocchi are two Italian citizens who have arrived to work in our country. Today’s guests on the afternoon show “Pasdite in Top Channel”, they say Albania is a special place for Italians.
“It cannot be compared to the experience that Italians feel somewhere else. Many people here speak Italian. Italians may hide their origin when they go to other countries. In Albania it is the contrary”, Francesca says.
Fabio says that in Tirana he had the possibility to do things he couldn’t do in Florence, Italy, where he comes from. “You leave for a few days and when you come back you find a new apartment building. The city is undergoing big changes”, he adds.
They both hope their future will be in Tirana.
Top Channel
