Rozafa Castle

"The region surrounding the city of Shkodër in northwestern Albania has been inhabited since ancient times, with the first fortifications on the hill overlooking the town established by Illyrian tribes as early as the 9th century BCE. Over the centuries, this area has been conquered by numerous powers. The Romans captured the fortification in 168 BCE, and it later became part of the Byzantine Empire. After periods of local control, the Venetians seized the area, reconstructing the damaged fortress and building a Catholic church. The Ottomans laid siege to the castle twice, finally capturing it in 1479 and converting the church into a mosque. The fortress faced further sieges in 1912 by Serbian and Montenegrin forces during the First Balkan War, and again in 1939 during the Italian Invasion of Albania. The castle, severely damaged, was ultimately abandoned. Alongside its complex history, the castle is also connected to a well-known local legend. The story goes that three brothers sought to build a castle, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted as the walls continuously collapsed. An old man advised them that in order for the walls to stand, they must bury alive whichever of their wives brought them food the next day, without informing the women beforehand. The two elder brothers disclosed the plan to their wives, but the youngest kept the secret. His wife, Rozafa, brought the food and, upon learning the situation, agreed to be immured. However, she requested that part of her body remain free to care for her infant son. A statue within the castle commemorates the legend of Rozafa."

"With legends woven into its stones, Rozafa Castle overlooks Shkodër and its lake, offering insight into ancient Illyrian fortifications. The views from the top are remarkable. "

"Open till late in the summer."