Overview:

Rozafa Castle is located in Shkodër, Albania. It is a fortress located on the Rozafa Hill overlooking the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers. The castle was built by the Ancient Illyrians between the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. It was later fortified and rebuilt by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Austrians who all attempted to make this strategic fortress more defensible. It is now a major tourist site due to its historical and cultural significance. The castle has also been used as a filming location in a number of movies. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Ruins: Rozafa Castle is known for its ruins left behind by the passage of time, the effects of weather, and conflicts across time. 2. View: The castle is situated on a hill, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding regions. 3. History: The castle is believed to have been built in the Middle Ages, though further construction and reconstruction have continued in the castle for centuries. 4. Gateway: The castle served as a gateway between the Mediterranean and Central Europe as well as a key strategic point in the historical conflicts between Venice and the Ottomans. 5. Architecture: The castle is known for its unusual combination of architecture and construction techniques, including several towers and walls, homogenous arches, and a variety of courtyards. 6. Legends: The castle is associated with many legends, such as the mythological story of Rozafa, its namesake. The legend states that the castle was built by three brothers who needed to sacrifice one of their wives in order to complete it. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Rozafa Castle, located in the city of Shkodër in Albania, is an ancient fortress of historical importance. Believed to have been built by the Illyrians in the 4th century BC, it was later occupied by the Romans and then by Otto of Bavaria in the 12th century. The area of the castle was strategically important because it stood on a hill overlooking the plain of Shkodër and the Drin River near its confluence with Lake Shkodra. The fortress however, changed its fate in 1396 when it was liberated from Austrian rule by the Ottoman Empire and included in the Sanjak of Shkodër. It eventually fell to the forces of Venice in 1474, but gained autonomy in 1514 under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, the castle and its surroundings were used for religious purposes, as churches and cemeteries of the Bektashi Church were located within its walls. In 1813, Rozafa Castle was conquered by the forces of Montenegrin ruler Danilo of Montenegro, which held control of the area until 1913 when Shkodër and the surrounding areas came under the sovereignty of the newly-established state of Albania. Today, Rozafa Castle is a popular tourist destination and has been declared a Monument of Culture of First Degree by the Albanian government. It is visited annually by more than 100,000 visitors who come to admire the magnificent ruins of this ancient structure. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Rozafa Castle dates back to the late Roman period, and has served as a defensive fortress for Shkodër since the early middle ages. 2. The castle is believed to be built on the ruins of an Illyrian settlement, which was destroyed by a besieging Roman army in 167 BC. 3. The legend of Rozafa tells of three brothers building the castle, with one of them trapping his wife within the walls, thus becoming part of the city’s legend. 4. The castle has been a part of the Ottoman, Venetian, Bulgarian, and Serb empires throughout its history. 5. During the Medieval period, Shkodër was a thriving trading center and was even ruled for a time by the Ottoman Empire. 6. Rozafa is associated with a great many myths and legends, which often include a magical apple tree and a secret treasure hidden within the walls. 7. The castle has been damaged and rebuilt many times throughout its history, with its challenging, uphill terrain making it a difficult target to assail. 8. During the Balkan Wars, the castle was used as a strategic military post, becoming a refuge during the WWII era. 9. In present days, the castle is a popular tourist destination with several restaurants and activities in the nearby area. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era