Krujë Fortress, Medieval fortress in Krujë, Albania
Krujë Fortress is a castle complex on a mountainside in Albania featuring preserved stone walls, watchtowers, and several entrances with views over the valleys below. Within the walls sit an ethnographic museum, traditional restaurants, an old bazaar, and visitor accommodations.
The fortress was first built by Byzantine rulers and later became the center of Albanian resistance against Ottoman forces under Skanderbeg in the 15th century. This period shaped it permanently as a symbol of national independence in Albanian history.
The name comes from the mountain on which it sits, and today it serves as a living center for local craft traditions that visitors can experience through artisans' workshops and shops selling handmade goods. The place reflects how people maintain connections to traditional skills passed down through generations.
The site sits on a mountainside and requires walking or driving uphill, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for physical effort. It helps to arrive early so you can explore the pathways inside the walls without feeling rushed and enjoy the views at a comfortable pace.
A large bazaar inside the walls has existed for over 400 years and remains a working marketplace where people sell crafts and antiques today. This living market makes the fortress a place where history and daily life blend seamlessly together.
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