Albania

Durrës

Krujë

Shijak

Xhafzotaj

Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa

North Macedonia

Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport

Montenegro

Podgorica Airport / Podgorica Golubovci Airbase

Tirana

Durrës County

Lushnjë

Fier County

Elbasan

Elbasan County

Fier

Kosovo

The Fortress of Bashtove, also known as the Bashtova Castle or Bashtova Citadel, is a medieval castle located in the town of Bashtova in northern Albania. It is situated on a hill overlooking the coast of the Adriatic Sea, near the mouth of the Drin River.

The exact date of the construction of the fortress is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the 14th century by the local feudal lords of the time. The castle was used as a strategic defense point against the Ottoman Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The fortress is built of stone and has an irregular shape, adapting to the natural terrain. It has three main towers, each with different shapes and sizes, and several smaller towers and walls surrounding them. The castle also has a large cistern to collect rainwater, which allowed it to withstand long sieges.

Today, the Fortress of Bashtove is in ruins, but some parts of the walls and towers are still standing, offering a glimpse of its former glory. It is a popular tourist attraction and visitors can climb to the top of the towers to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Fortress of Bashtove

Kruja Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Kruja, in central Albania. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is a popular tourist destination and a significant historical site in Albania.

The castle dates back to the 5th century and was expanded and fortified by the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans over the centuries. It played a significant role in the Albanian resistance against Ottoman occupation and is most notably associated with the national hero Skanderbeg, who used it as his main headquarters during his revolt against the Ottomans in the 15th century.

The castle has several well-preserved buildings and structures, including a medieval tower, a mosque, a hammam, and a bazaar. Visitors can also explore the Ethnographic Museum, which is located inside the castle and displays traditional Albanian clothing, weapons, and household items.

In addition to its historical significance, Kruja Castle is also a popular cultural center, hosting festivals, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year. The castle and its surroundings have been designated as a National Park, which has helped to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.

Kruja castle

Apollonia was an ancient Greek city located in what is now modern-day Albania. The city was founded in the 7th century BCE by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corcyra (modern-day Corfu). It was named after the god Apollo and became an important center of trade, culture, and learning in the ancient world.

At its height, Apollonia had a population of around 60,000 people and was known for its impressive city walls, public buildings, and temples. The city had a strategic location on the trade route between Greece and Rome, which made it a prosperous and influential center of commerce.

Apollonia was also renowned for its schools of philosophy and medicine, which attracted scholars from all over the Mediterranean. Among its most famous residents were the philosopher Aristo of Chios and the physician Galen, who studied and practiced medicine in the city.

Over the centuries, Apollonia was conquered and ruled by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Today, visitors can still see the ruins of the ancient city, including the impressive city walls, the remains of several temples, and the restored amphitheater. The Apollonia Archaeological Park is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Apollonia

Berat Castle, also known as Kalaja, is a historic fortress located in the city of Berat, Albania. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the city and is surrounded by high walls that date back to the 4th century BC. The castle has been occupied by various empires throughout history, including the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Albanians.

The castle consists of several buildings and structures, including churches, mosques, and a museum. One of the most notable structures within the castle is the Red Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Mehmed Bey, which was built in the 15th century. Another notable structure is the Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae, which dates back to the 13th century.

Berat Castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, along with the city of Berat as a whole. The castle is an important cultural and historical landmark in Albania and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its rich history and admire its stunning architecture.

Berat castle

Rozafa Castle is a medieval fortress located in the city of Shkodra, Albania. The castle dates back to the Illyrian period and was built on a hill overlooking the city and the surrounding landscape. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, with the current structure dating back to the Venetian period.

According to legend, the castle was built by three brothers, who sacrificed one of their wives in order to strengthen the foundations of the castle walls. The wife, named Rozafa, is now a symbol of selflessness and sacrifice in Albanian folklore.

The castle has an irregular shape, with walls that follow the contours of the hill. Inside the castle, visitors can see the remains of several buildings and structures, including a church, a mosque, and a prison. There is also a museum that showcases artifacts from the castle's history.

One of the most popular features of the castle is the panoramic view from the top of the hill, which provides a stunning vista of the city of Shkodra and the surrounding mountains. The castle is a popular destination for tourists and is considered a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.

Rozafa castle

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