Castles

One of the most recommended experiences in Albania is definitely a visit to its castles.
This small country might be beautiful in nature, being blessed with amazing
beaches, high alps and valleys that offer panoramic views but there is another part of Albania who gets a lot of attention too: historical and cultural sites.
Since ancient times Albania has been home to civilizations, been a battlefield in
wars, and there is no better way to explore the rich history of our small country
than by traveling to the main Castles.
Some of them date from antiquity and are a major attraction for tourists,
especially those who have an interest in history and archaeology.
In this article we will mention quite a few of them starting from the north of the
country in the Adriatic Coast and ending in the Albanian Riviera of Ionian Coast.

One of the most important castles in Albania during history and one of the most
interesting, Rozafa is located in the city of Shkodra.
There is a sad legend surrounding this majestic castle from which it has got the
name Rozafa.
The legend of Rozafa has to do with the power of women and their
sacrifices,according to the myths the castle walls were always collapsing during
building and it was a sacrifice for them to not fall again.
It is about a woman who sacrificed herself in order for the castle , her name was
Rozafa. According to the legend the walls never collapsed again.
Castle of Rozafa is a recommended destination for those who have interest in
history, archaeology, culture but also for everyone who wants to visit the beautiful
city of Shkodra and its attractions. Not to forget that from the top of the castle you
can enjoy some majestic views of the city, lakes, sea, and Albanian Alps.
City of Shkoder itself is a good choice for daily and multi day tours/

If you are interested to visit Shkodra or need information about the points of
interest in ‘capital of the north Albania’ you can contact us and one of our guides
at guidedtours.al will help you to arrange the perfect tour in this city.

As you leave Shkodra and arrive in its nearby city of Lezha you will notice in the
hills of the city the Castle , bearing the same name as the city.
This castle is very old as it originates from Illyrian times.
It is an interesting place which shows evidence of illyrian, roman,venetian,
byzantine, and latter ottoman influence.
The castle has been declared a monument of culture, and apart from being an
attraction for those of interest in history, culture and archaeology it also offers a
beautiful landscape and views of the Adriatic coast and the city.

This castle is one of the most attractive ones for tourists and a very popular
destination for tourists. Many have heard about our national hero Skanderbeg,
Kruja was the center of our country during the Skanderbeg era.
This castle has managed to hold back numerous attacks from Ottomans during
Skanderbeg time in XV, when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak powers.
There are also museums waiting for visitors inside the walls of the castle, like the
Ethnographic museum and Skanderbeg’s museum.
Beside the castle and its history, archaeology findings and architecture are an
interesting activity for visitors, also the old market where you can find artisanal
traditional clothes and more.
The panorama from Kruja Castle is amazing too, in clear weather you can notice
nearby cities of Tirana , Durres and Adriatic sea.
City of Kruja and its castle should definitely make your list of places to visit in
Albania, and any time of the year is good for this activity.
As per information Kruja is accessible easily as it is located very near capital
Tirana, it is even closer from ‘Mother Teresa International Airport’.

Castle of Tirana
Known also as the Fortress of Justinian, this castle is located right at the heart of
the capital of Albania, Tirana.
It is a testimony of the Byzantine era in Albania.
It has gone through restoration in recent years and inside the walls you can find
restaurants , coffee shops and also some cultural buildings to visit.
It is one of the most lively places in Tirana, with people passing by since early
morning to drink their coffee at one of the coffee shops around.
Also it continues to ‘pedonale’ a very popular street in Tirana where you can find
many locals and tourists passing by.
Petrela Castle
Another castle in the Capital of Albania, Tirana.
Petrela castle is located just 18 km from the center of Tirana city in the village
with the same name, Petrela
You have to walk a few minutes to arrive from the village to the castle on its
rocky road but as soon as you arrive you get to enjoy the beautiful landscape in
front of you, especially Erzeni’s valley and the nature around.
Inside the castle there is a restaurant which offers traditional cuisine for visitors.
In the past this castle has been part of Kruja system castles and it served mainly
for signaller purposes to the main castle of Skanderbeg.
Preza Castle
The list of castles near Tirana city continues with another interesting ‘monument
of culture’, castle of Preza.
Holding the same name as Preza village it dates back to the 550s during the
time of Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great.
Later it was home to one of the feudal families in Albania.
There is a restaurant inside the castle and visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine
while overlooking Tirana and also Kruja. These are some interesting details
about the castle of Preza.

The castle of Durrës dates back to the 5th century, it was built by one of the
Emperors who originated from Durrës, Anastasius I.

According to recorded data this castle was damaged during a devastating
earthquake in the 13th century and later went through repair and more
reinforcement by the Republic of Venice and also the Ottoman Empire in later
times.
A popular attraction in the city of Durrës, this castle can be visited at any time of
the year and it’s a good idea to make it part of your Tour in Albania.
Rodon Castle
Another interesting attraction is the Castle of Rodon. This castle is located in
Rodon’s cape, nowadays the sea has approached the walls and somehow
invaded part of the castle.
Cape of Rodon is a very beautiful destination and its proximity to Tirana and
Durres makes it easily accessible.
We suggest you make a visit to Castle of Rodon when in good weather
conditions so you can also enjoy the nature around and make a barbecue or
camping nearby.

When visiting the city of Elbasan, it is impossible not to get attracted by the walls
of the Castle as you walk by the city’s boulevard.
It was the base of the ancient city Skampini being habituated since then and it’s
interesting that even today this castle is habituated.
Ottomans made reconstructions for strategic purposes and today inside the
castle of Elbasan you can find cult objects of Muslim and also Christians motives.
Castle of Bashtova
Located in the village with the same name, its construction dates from the XV
century , it has mostly served the Venetians during this time.
It has a size similar to a football field and its walls are 9 m high.
An interesting destination for those who have an interest in history, archaeology,
and architecture.

Berat Castle is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who visit Albania.
The whole city of Berat itself is like a museum, with old stone houses.
This city is the perfect place to visit especially for those interested in history,
culture, architecture.
Taking the stone road through Mangalem we go for a visit to this Old Castle
originating from 2500 years ago.
Recording data show evidence of the Roman period in years 200 B.C and also
the Byzantine.
Castle of Berat is a habituated place even today and you will notice the locals as
you walk through the castle.
It offers an amazing panorama overlooking Osum River at the bottom and behind
is located the Tomorr mountain.
Inside the castle walls there are some restaurants serving traditional food and
also souvenir shops in case you need to buy something to take as a memory for
your visit to Berat.
We definitely recommend the city of Berat as it offers some interesting attractions
and it is not a surprise it is one of the most preferred cities by tourists .
On a tour to Berat city you should visit the museums and the castle, especially
the ‘Onufri Museum’.
Another specialty of the city is culinary, take a food and wine tour in one of Berat
winery cantines. These are some of the reasons that will surely make a visit to
Berat city and its attractions a rewarding experience.

Known as Argjiro Castle, it is a fortress in the stone city of Gjirokastra.
City of Gjirokastra is a frequent and popular destination for tourists with the castle
taking its attention too.
Overlooking the city and also the valley at a height of 336 meters this castle
offers for visitors a clock tower, a church, a new museum, and it’s the home of
festivals and activities especially during summer months.
The city of Gjirokastra is the place where the infamous communist leader of
Albania, Enver Hoxha was born.
One interesting fact is that the prison inside the castle was used during Zog’s
tenure in Albania and it also housed many political prisoners during the long
Communist regime.

Overall Gjirokastra is a suggested destination for tourists as it offers an
interesting visit for architecture lovers and those with interest in history and
culture.
Also you can see the city of Gjirokastra as part of a wider tour in Albania
considering it is located at the crossroad and near some very popular
destinations in our country.

The residence of the famous Ali Pasha , it is not hard to understand where this
castle has taken its name.
The castle of Ali Pasha of Tepelene has been the battlefield of conflicts between
Ali Pasha and the Ottoman Empire.
There are also other castles with the same name , Ali Pasha Castle of Butrint
located at the Vivari channel, and Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo.
The castle of Tepelena and the city of Tepelena are within a half hour distance
from another castle city , Gjirokastra.