Overview:

Shkodra Castle is an important fortification in Shkodër, Albania. It is located on a rocky hill in the city, overlooking the lake and the surrounding settlements. The castle is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its well-preserved walls and towers. It was constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians, and was later occupied by the Ottoman Turks and subsequently by Serbia. The castle is still in use today, and is protected by the Ministry of Culture of Albania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Located atop the Rozafa hill on the banks of the Buna river, Shkodra Castle is one of the most impressive citadels of the region. 2. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and was the major stronghold against the enemies, providing a secure fortress that could be defended. 3. The castle has three defensive lines, all of which are still clearly visible today. 4. Its walls incorporate a variety of styles, including Renaissance elements and Gothic and Renaissance motifs. 5. Its most impressive feature is the two massive towers, known as the Flower Tower and the Aga's Tower, as well as two sets of inner walls and moats. 6. It is believed to have been the residence of many local rulers and important personalities, such as the Albanian national hero George Kastrioti Skenderbeu. 7. Inside the castle one can find a small fortress made of stone and a vaulted gate, built during the 18th century. 8. One of the most interesting aspects of Shkodra Castle is that it overlooks the green lake called the Bojana River, providing spectacular views. 9. Visitors to Shkodra Castle can also explore its surrounding area, which includes the Tahona river, as well as the beautiful Rozafa Park and the archaeological site of Colua. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Shkodra Castle is an ancient citadel located in the historic city of Shkodër, Albania. The castle was first constructed in the 4th century BCE by the Illyrian tribe, the Labeatae. In time, the castle was enlarged by Rome and the Byzantines who used it as a military stronghold as it offered a commanding view of the Drin River. In the 11th century, the Dukagjini family took control of the castle and constructed new battlements and walls, further fortifying the structure. During the Middle Ages, Shkodra Castle was at the center of various wars as it was fought over by the Serbian Empire, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. Throughout its centuries of history, the castle was used as a defensive fortress, a royal palace, a prison, and a trading post. In its various incarnations, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Today, Shkodra Castle is a popular tourist destination in Albania, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While some of its original features have been lost over time, it still stands as a testament to the rich history of the region. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Shkodra Castle, also known as Rozafa Castle, is a medieval castle situated in the historic city of Shkodër, Albania. 2. The castle was built on the site of an older Illyrian fortress, which was believed to be the base of Queen Teuta of the Illyrians, who reigned around 232-228 BC. 3. The castle is situated on a hilltop overlooking the city of Shkodër and is itself surrounded by a deep ravine. 4. Parts of the castle are believed to date back to the 5th century AD, while other sections were added during the Ottoman period. 5. According to legend, when the castle was being constructed in the 12th century, the builders were only able to make progress during the day, and no matter how much labour they put in, the walls were found to be destroyed during the night. 6. In order to solve the problem, they decided to sacrifice a human being and bury him alive within the castle's walls. 7. The identity of the person remains a mystery, but one popular tale suggests that it was a woman, who was said to be lamenting the displacement of her family and the delay in the construction of the castle. 8. The woman, who came to be known as 'Rozafa', eventually agreed to be sacrificed if, after her death, her right eye would remain visible from the walls of the castle and her breast be covered with milk. 9. The castle is still very much in use today and houses many historical artefacts, including a significant carpet collection. The Castle is also a popular tourist destination and can be seen from the local bus service which operates between Shkodër and Tirana. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era