Overview:

Skanderbeg’s Grave is an archaeological site located in the city of Lezhë in Central Albania. The site is the burial ground of Skanderbeg, the 15th century leader of Albania’s national liberation movement and a renowned figure of Albanian history. The site is highly regarded in Albanian culture and is considered a spiritual symbol of the Albanian nation. The grave is protected as a Cultural Monument of Albania, and several ceremonies are held at the location throughout the year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

*The grave of national hero Skanderbeg is a prominent feature located at Lezhë in Albania. *The monument consists of a large bronze statue of Skanderbeg atop a pink stone plinth, over which a superimposed semi-dome has been built. The plinth is inscribed with an Albanian inscription that translates to "To the incomparable hero, our Lord George Kastriot Scanderbeg, for the fatherland, the people, and their faith". *The site of the grave is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Albania, and it is seen as a symbol of the nation’s struggle against foreign occupation. The grave is a popular attraction for visitors, who come to pay their respects to the national hero who fought off the Ottomans for almost thirty years. *Other notable features near Skanderbeg’s Grave include an open-air museum, a large stone basin, and the fort of Lezhë. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The grave of Skanderbeg is located in the Lezhë Castle in Lezhë in Albania. Skanderbeg (1405–1468) was an Albanian military leader and the national hero of Albania. He is remembered for organising a successful resistance to the Ottoman Empire, leading with skill and bravery in battles against the Turks. Archaeological excavations conducted in Lezhë discovered the remains of a tombstone dating back to the fifteenth century. It is believed this is the tomb of Skanderbeg. The tomb was heavily damaged by a 1915 bombing raid by the Austro-Hungarian Army, but the remaining fragments were collected and afterwards reassembled. In 1972, a memorial was erected in the Castle of Lezhë to commemorate Skanderbeg. The monument consists of 28 lines of carved inscriptions honoring the fallen hero and his courage. Today, the remains of Skanderbeg are still held in the memorial. A stained glass window was recently placed in the castle chapel to honor his memory. People from all over the nation visit the memorial to remember and pay homage to the national hero every year on June 17, the day of Skanderbeg's death. Though his grave could not be found, it is believed Skanderbeg is resting peacefully in the castle, watched over by his loyal people. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The grave of Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, the great Albanian national hero and freedom fighter, is situated in Lezhe, Albania. 2. This is most certainly a landmark and symbol of national pride as it is here that an iron helmet, believed to be Skanderbeg’s, is placed on an iron cross atop the grave as a sign of the leader’s bravery. 3. The grave was built in the 15th century as part of a monastery complex and still stands today as a testament to Albanian pride and identity. 4. Inside the cemetery there is an immense flagpole that was built in 1930 to commemorate 1500 years since the start of the Albanian nation. 5. The design of the flagpole was molded to resemble a cross and a spear, which is said to signify the sacrifice that Skanderbeg made for his countrymen during the Ottoman-Albanian wars. 6. Recently, the grave has been modernized and old gravestones, damaged during the country’s communist era, have been replaced with marble ones. 7. Tourists and pilgrims from around the world flock to the grave each year to pay homage to the brave leader and the country’s other extraordinary heroes. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era