Krujë
Krujë is a small historic town in the central part of Albania, placed among the Krujë Mountains. Not far from Tirana (only 32km to the North), it is easily reachable with a regular bus or via a taxi transportations from other cities like Tirana. The town is placed at an altitude of 600 meters, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Adriatic Sea.
Krujë is more than just a beautiful place and has great significance in the history of the Albanian culture and the people who live there. The name and importance of Krujë are closely tied with Albania’s national hero, George Castriot Skanderbeg. He made Kruja a fortress of resistance against the Ottoman empire for more than 25 years. At that time, he led one of the strongest and most important armies in the history of Albania.
Krujë has many historical and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit in Albania. Located at the highest point of Krujë, the castle stands as one of the city’s main attractions. Built in the 5th century, it is one of the oldest castles in Albania. Additionally, within the castle walls you can find the Skanderbeg Museum alongside the Ethnographic Museum. There is a traditional Krujë market or Old Bazaar near the entrance of the castle, where you can buy handicrafts and traditional craft souvenirs. It is one of the few places in Albania where you can find such high quality crafts at reasonable prices. Lastly, visitors can enjoy the many bars and restaurants in the area that serve food from traditional Albanian cuisine.