Tirana Castle

About Tirana Castle

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What people say

"Tirana Castle, known as Kalaja e Tiranës in Albanian, holds a significant place in the city's history and heritage. Situated in the heart of Tirana, Albania, the castle dates back to the Byzantine era, with origins tracing as far back as the 4th century AD. Over the centuries, the castle underwent various renovations and expansions, serving as a strategic stronghold for successive rulers, including the Ottomans and the Albanian princes. Today, while much of the original fortress has been lost to time and development, remnants of its walls and towers still stand as a testament to Tirana's rich past. The castle's strategic location atop a hill offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize the site and transform it into a cultural and recreational hub, with plans for restoration and the creation of public spaces for events and exhibitions."
"Discover the remnants of Tirana’s past at the Tirana Castles, especially the Toptani Castle that you can find in the center and have different restaurants. Explore the ancient ruins of the Fortress of Justinian and the Petrela Castle, both of which provide a glimpse into Albania’s medieval history. Climb the fortifications, admire the panoramic views, and imagine the stories that these castles hold. These historical sites offer a captivating window into Tirana’s past and are a testament to its enduring heritage."
Makayla Juniel
"Right down the street from Noor. Unlike the other castles spread throughout Albania this castle is a small fortress filled with restaurants and trinket shops. I think this is the best place to grab souvenirs whether that be jewelry, a shot glass, a tote, or Raki (Albania’s liquor). You can also scope the scene for any restaurants you’d like to come back and try later in the evening."
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Late 2023 I decided to go backpacking with a friend. 26 days, 6 countries all under 380€. 📍Croatia 🇭🇷 📍Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 📍Montenegro 🇲🇪 📍Albania 🇦🇱 📍North Macedonia 🇲🇰 📍Serbia 🇷🇸 Ever since finishing university 3 years ago, I have been full time travelling and volunteering for conservation projects. I absolutely love my lifestyle however can't lie tight budget is one of the downsides. Instead of giving up my travel dreams I just decided to become resourceful and find the perfect itineraries that still fit my tight budget and let me explore the world. Before every trip, I spend weeks planning and researching and it's one of my favourite parts of the adventure. However, I know it can be overwhelming and tedious at times so I decided to share my research and my itinerary with you. All places mentioned here are places where I have been/stayed/eaten myself and can give you an honest review. In this guide, you'll find an itinerary through the Balkans meant to take you through 6 countries throughout 26 days following my footsteps. I'll share with you my recommendations of where to stay and what to do as well as a detailed outline of the full cost (accommodation and transport). You'll also find links to the accommodations I stayed in and all the bus/train companies I used. You'll also find a spreadsheet so you can adjust the itinerary to your own needs. What you'll get in this guide ✔️Itinerary through Balkans for 26 days ✔️Budget for the whole trip for accommodation and transport (updated November 23) ✔️Recommendations of budget accommodation in each location ✔️Recommendations of activities in each location ✔️Researched public transport connections between each location ✔️Ideas of day trips from the location (with budget expectations) ✔️Tips on how to get discounts on booking.com and flixbus (including a discount code) What you won't find in this guide ✖️Detailed day-to-day plan ✖️Budget for food during the trip as they will vary vastly depending on your personal preferences ✖️Food and restaurant recommendations *I did the trip with a friend so the itinerary is mostly applicable for 2 people because accommodations recommendations are double/twin rooms. But if you're traveling with different number of people of course you can still use the guide you just need to find a different accomodation
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