Lezhë Castle, Medieval fortress on hilltop near Drin River, Albania
Lezhë Castle is a fortress built on a 186-meter-high hill in northern Albania that overlooks the meeting point of two rivers. The stone walls and towers spread across the hilltop and command views of the surrounding landscape below.
The fortress was first built in ancient times as a stronghold and later rebuilt by successive rulers over the centuries. Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman forces all modified its structures according to their military needs.
The fortress served as a gathering place for local leaders who united here to defend their lands against invaders. Such assemblies shaped the region's political story for generations.
A marked path leads from the town of Lezhë up to the fortress, and sturdy shoes are recommended since the climb is steep. The site is open year-round, though visiting during warmer months is more comfortable.
The fortress displays an unusual mix of building materials and styles left behind by four different civilizations over time. A careful visitor can still see the different stone types and construction techniques layered together across the centuries.
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