CLOSE WINDOW | About castles in Albania | external links 1 |

(...) The ecclesiastical record of the ninth century mentioned Kruja as a bishop's see. The Byzantines held the city up to c. 1190, when the first Albanian feudal state was declared at Kruja under the archon Progon (1190-8). Albania survived throughout the rule of Progon's son Gjin (1198-1206) and Dhimitrit (1206-16), but in 1216 it fell under the sway of Epiros, in 1230 under Bulgarians, and in 1240 again under Epiros. Foreign invaders continued to fight over the dying body of a torn and bleeding Albania until an Ottoman garrison was permanently stationed at Kruja in 1415. (...)

(...) The Castle of Kruja was built during the 5th - 6 th centuries and has an elliptical shape with a total area of 2,25 ha. The surrounding walls are reinforced by nine towers. within the walls of the castle there can still be found the remains of a few old houses. The Scanderbeg Museum is housed inside the castle , and is dedicated to his deeds, courage and bravery to protect Albania from the Ottoman invasion. From the castle the visitor can observe a wonderful open view including the Adriatic sea. (...)

(...) The Castle of Rozafa is located in the western part of the city of Shkodra, between Drini and Buna rivers. The history of the castle starts since Illyrian times. A very interesting legend explains its history. The main theme of legend has to do with keeping of promise. Rofaza the bride of the youngest of three brothers, was walled up in order the the walls of the castle do not fall down by the night. The water passing through the stones at the main entrance are connected in the folk fantasy with the water going out from the bosom of Rozafa , which she left out during the time she was walled up in order to feed her little baby. (...)

(...) The Castle of Berat known by name ANTIPATREA has an area of 10 ha and represents one of the most beautiful ones in Albania. Within the castle several churches were constructed and adorned with invaluable frescoes and paintings. A calligraphy school was also established. Today the urban life continues inside the castle. The castle houses the Onufri Museum dedicated to Onufri and his soon Nikolla, who were two outstanding Albanian painters of the 16 century. (...)

(...) The Castle of Gjirokastra is the biggest in Albania. The city of Gjirokastra has started the life firs with its castle of the 4 century known by name Argjiro. The National Arms Museum opened in 1971 in the environs of the castle, where arms from all over Albania are exposed, from the Neolithic to the actual period. Today the National Folk Festival take place in Gjirokastra castle. (...)

(...) Petrela Castle - One of Albania`s best-preserved castles, Petrela Castle sits picturesquely on a steep slope overlooking a river. (On a clear day you can see all the way to Kruja.) Emperor Justinian fortified this place to defend the settlement of Dyrrachium (now Durres). The tower in the centre dates back to AD 500; surrounding it are walls from the Byzantine period, laid out in a triangle, with round towers at the corners. The castle was used during Skanderbeg`s war against the Turks; Skanderbeg`s sister Mamica lived here and defended the castle, but it was eventually captured and used to garrison Turkish soldiers. (...)

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