Kruja city also known as the city of Skanderbeg, a national hero for Albania, is a historic city and one that shouldn’t be missed if you decided to travel to Albania. Only 30km away from the bustling and busy capital of Tirana is a great spot for a getaway for some peace and quiet. Kruja city attractions are these.
The construction of the marketplace of Kruja dates back over 400 years and was the starting point of free trade among the city’s most established merchants. It is in this particular bazaar that traders first began to officially exchange various kinds of goods with one another. Conveniently located on the main road leading to the Castle of Kruja, the space forms part of the museum
Whether you need a traditionally-crafted rug or masterfully-made copper products from the renowned craftsmen who work here.
The bazaar has steadily grown over the centuries, dictating the spread of housing and urban structures around it, making it the real epicenter of Kruja.
Kruja Castle
Kruja castle is the main attraction of Kruja was constructed in the V or VI century, perched above the town of the same name.
When the powerful Ottoman Empire was gradually taking over many parts of Europe during the XV century, one modest ancient fortress in Albania settled down of its range.
At the time of the Ottoman threat, it was the headquarters of Gjergj Kastrioti, the “Dragon of Albania,” an Albanian nobleman, royalty, and military leader. The Ottoman Turks gave him the name Iskender bey.
Among the ruins within the fortress walls stands the ancient Clock Tower with the same bell that earlier announced the death of Skanderbeg.
The Masjid of Dollma is yet another magnificent shrine, the pulpit of Muslim faith during the XVIII century. The Masjid of Dollma can be found within the Kruja castle walls. In front of the Masjid of Dollma’s entrances, on the divine spots, is a huge olive tree planted on the day of Skanderbeg’s wedding.
The Hamam was built at the end of the XV century and is positioned on the southwestern side of Kruja Castle near the Dollmes Temple. The structure consists of four parts: the middle room which has a bathtub, the changing room, and two separate bathing zones with water provided by the fountainhead of the square.
Kruja’s museum
Near the Clock Tower stands the National museum “Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu”, built at the beginning 1980s. Crowning the castle defenses, this recognizable construction has become a symbol of this city’s skyline. Inside the museum, the exhibitions exhibit Skanderbeg’s history, his historical triumphs, and achievements, as well as copies of Skanderbeg’s armaments: the legendary helmet topped with a goat’s head and his sword.
Ethnographic museum of Kruja
Built during the mid-18th century, in 1764, by Ismail Pashë Toptani, this Ottoman house is considered one of the most unique museums in Albania. It includes a total of 15 rooms which tell of work and family life in the town of Kruja. A white, three-story construction with a tower placed in the middle, this house is surrounded by wood-carved windows of all sizes.
Attractions of Kruja can be visited through our tour here.
