The Grave of Skanderbeg, National memorial building in Lezhë, Albania.
The Skanderbeg Grave is located within a reconstructed church in Lezhë and holds displays about this medieval military leader and his deeds. The building contains historical objects, weapons, and informational panels that document his legacy.
The site began as a medieval church, later became an Ottoman mosque called Selimiye, and was transformed into its current mausoleum form in 1981. These transformations reflect the shifting history of the region.
The name Selimiye recalls Sultan Selim I, though art historian Machiel Kiel attributes the mosque to Selim III. In the 17th century, when the building lay in ruins, Albanians still came here for commemorations of Skanderbeg. Since 1981 the memorial has held a bust by Odhise Paskali and plaques with coats of arms of the principalities of the League of Lezhë.
The memorial stands on the east bank of the Drin, north of Lezha's town centre and below the castle hill. A large roof structure shelters the excavated walls, so the interior can be visited in rain. The crypt beneath the building was reopened during the 2018 restoration of the roof.
According to local accounts, Ottoman soldiers collected fragments from the original burial place and kept them as amulets. They believed these relics would transfer the military strength of the commander to themselves.
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