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Place to Visit: Kruja

Skanderbeg’s City

Western Albania, Albania

Set against a backdrop of the almost vertical limestone wall of the Kruja mountains, the small town of Kruja is known by many as the ‘Balcony of the Adriatic’. Kruja's mountain citadel affords magnificent views of the surrounding region and across the coastal plains to the sea.

Great Reasons To Visit

Visit the citadel for fine views over the plains and surrounding countryside.
Wander through Kruja bazaar for a taste of traditional architecture.
Explore the fascinating museums in the grounds of the citadel.

Background

The citadel was first used by Illyrian tribes as early as the 6th century BC. The Byzantines maintained control over the city following the Roman conquest until the end of the 12th century.

Then in 1190 Kruja became the capital of the first Albanian feudal state, the Kingdom of Arber. Led by the great national hero Skanderbeg, Kruja was also the centre of resistance to several Turkish besieges during the 15th century.

click image to enlarge

Relaxing

The castle area has a couple of restaurants and provides an ideal place to relax and take in the wonderful views.

Kruja

Built on as isolated spur of limestone at a height of 548m, Skanderbeg’s castle is the main place of interest in the town. Within its grounds are two interesting museums. Although small, Kruja Bazaar is also worth exploring with its single street of quaint shops which have undergone extensive restoration.