Fortress of Justinian, Byzantine fortress in Tirana, Albania.
The Fortress of Justinian is a Byzantine fortification in Tirana with three defensive towers and walls that stand up to 6 meters (20 feet) high, woven into the modern city center. The remains sit behind the National Gallery of Arts and shape how this urban neighborhood feels and functions today.
Built before 1300 during the Byzantine period, the fortress was constructed at a key point where major trade routes crossed. This location influenced how Tirana developed over time as an urban center.
Today the fortress grounds host restaurants and shops where people gather to explore traditional Albanian crafts and taste local food. The site has become a meeting point where visitors experience how the past and present mix in everyday life.
The site is located behind the National Gallery of Arts on Murat Toptani Street and is partially open to visitors. Some areas may be under restoration work, so check which sections are accessible before you go.
Archaeological digs uncovered ancient wall foundations that were then preserved and woven into the pedestrian street layout. Visitors can see these preserved layers where old stone and modern design sit side by side.
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