Albania

Tirana

Kavajë

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Zall-Herr

Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa

North Macedonia

Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport

Montenegro

Podgorica Airport / Podgorica Golubovci Airbase

Krujë

Durrës County

Durrës

Elbasan

Elbasan County

Lushnjë

Fier County

Berat

Berat County

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

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

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

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

Lake Ohrid is a large and ancient lake located on the border between North Macedonia and Albania. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, with a maximum depth of over 300 meters. The lake is known for its clear, blue waters and its high level of biodiversity, with over 200 endemic species.

The town of Ohrid, located on the eastern shore of the lake, is a popular tourist destination due to its historical and cultural significance. The town has a number of notable landmarks, including the Church of St. Sophia, the Church of St. John at Kaneo, and the Church of St. Clement and Panteleimon, which is considered one of the most important medieval monuments in the Balkans.

In 1979, Lake Ohrid and the town of Ohrid were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their outstanding natural and cultural value. The site is considered to be one of the best-preserved and most important examples of a medieval town in the Balkans. The lake and surrounding areas also provide important habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.

Lake Ohrid

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