Overview:

Skanderbeg Monument, Krujë is a massive monument in Krujë, Albania, honoring the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. The monument is a giant bronze equestrian sculpture of the Albanian national hero, and was created in 1982 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the day he died. The monument was taken down in 1944 by the Communist authorities for its association with Skanderbeg, and restored in 1982. It is now a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Albanian national pride. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. A 15-meter tall bronze statue of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg atop a 13-meter high pedestal surrounded by four lions 2. An inscription on the pedestal of the monument that reads: "Mustafa Krujë Skanderbeg 1443 - Krujë 1468") 3. Four stone figures below the main figure representing a mother with two sons 4. The Park of Skanderbeg Monument, a 4-hectare park featuring various sculptures including a mosaic flag, a modern fountain, and an amphitheater 5. The Memorial Museum of Skanderbeg, a large museum featuring exhibits about Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg and the Ottoman-Albanian War 6. A monument to two major battles between Albanians and Ottomans, known as the Beshik Town and the Krujë Castle Battle Monuments 7. A square dedicated to Skanderbeg, featuring a stone representation of Skanderbeg and four busts of four prominent Albanian rulers You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Skanderbeg Monument in Krujë is a monument dedicated to the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti), the 15th-Century Albanian leader who successfully defended Albania against the Ottoman Empire. The monument is located on the main road of Krujë, in a city that served as Skanderbeg’s capital. Construction on the monument began in 1968 and was completed in 1971 by the Albanian Government. The project was led by the sculptor Odhise Paskali, known for creating monuments dedicated to revolutionary figures. The monument stands 15 meters tall and features a bronze sculpture of Skanderbeg on horseback, dominating the rest of the monument which consists of a pedestal, four Corinthian columns and four symbolic iconographic reliefs which depict Skanderbeg’s battles with the Ottomans, the victory over the Ottoman Empire, and his funeral. Since its completion in 1971, the Skanderbeg Monument has become a major tourist attraction and the symbol of Albania’s struggle for freedom and independence. The annual Skanderbeg Festival has been celebrated in Krujë since 1967 and is dedicated to honoring the life of Skanderbeg. The monument now stands in the center of the Skanderbeg Square, which was completely renovated in 2005. The monument has also been featured in several films and documentaries. A small portion of the monument can also be seen on the 100 lek banknote. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Skanderbeg Monument is located in the city of Krujë in Albania and was constructed between 1968-1982. 2. The monument stands 22 m (72 ft) high and is composed of seven tall bronze figures. 3. The main figure of the monument is Gjergj Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, the 15th-century national hero who was instrumental in defending Albania from the Ottoman Empire. 4. The monument is in the form of a trident with the main figure of Skanderbeg at the centre. The other figures each represent a different aspect of his life and his fight - on the left stands the Byzantine Emperor John VIII Palaiologos II, on the right his Father John Kastrioti, and behind him stands his family. 5. The statue of Skanderbeg is said to be so powerful and inspiring that it is said to 'bestrides the surrounding city as if a new Colossus!' 6. The monument was designed by the Albanian sculptor Odhise Paskali and received first prize in the international competition designed to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Skanderbeg in 1982. 7. The statue itself is made of bronze however, the platform supports are made up of decorative marble, decorated with traditional symbols, which was sourced from the regions of Vlorë, Tirana and Krujë. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era