Despite the foreign influences (because of continuous different invasions during centuries), Albanian culture retains a remarkable degree of homogeneity and identity in Europe.
Tales were passed down through the generations in the form of heroic songs,legends,and epics.This tradition helped the native language and national identity survive until written texts emerged. The
oldest known document in the Albanian language dates to 1462.

In the late 19th century, under Ottoman rule, Albanian renaissance illuminators developed an underground Albanian literature by combining linguistic purity and patriotism. This nationalist movement inspired many writers in later decades, including the lyric poet Gjergj Fishta.

Another prominent nationalist writer was Fan Noli, orthodox bishop and leader of the country during the 1920s. Under the Communists, censorship was strict, topics permissible for discussion were few, and as a result, the country's literature was deadened. After the collapse of mono-party rule, literature was freed of most censorship and many books are now published and distributed in the country.

Perhaps the best-known living Albanian writer is Ismail Kadare.
Painting in Albania was strongly influenced by Byzantine art in the Middle Ages (5th century to 15th century),although by the end of the early Renaissance (15th century to 17th century) 
Italian influence was strong.

The painting of icons (religious symbols) grew as a form of both public, or displayed, art and folk art. The style of icon painting, created in the mid-18th century, remained virtually unchanged through the early 20th century. Folk arts today include clothing decorated with delicate silver ornaments, wood-crafted items for the home, and woolen rugs.