Shkodër, Ancient city in northwestern Albania
Shkodër sits between three rivers at the southeast end of Lake Shkodër, surrounded by the Albanian Alps and overlooked by Rozafa Castle. The city spreads across flat terrain and low hills, with the historic center gathered around the pedestrian area along Kolë Idromeno Street.
The city began as Scodra in the 4th century BC and served as the capital of the Illyrian kingdom until Roman conquest in 168 BC. Later it became an important center under Ottoman rule and remained one of the leading cities of northern Albania through different political eras.
The National Museum of Photography Marubi preserves more than 150,000 photographs documenting Albanian life from the 19th century to the present day. The collection shows portraits, everyday scenes, and social changes through several generations of the Marubi family.
The city serves as a starting point for trips into northern Albania and connects the country with Montenegro through main transport routes. Visitors find accommodation options here, transport links in different directions, and local markets for daily needs.
Three different rivers – Buna, Drin, and Kir – intersect within the city limits and form a natural water system that shapes the urban landscape. This rare arrangement has influenced the development of the city over centuries and creates numerous bridges and riverside paths.
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