Krujë Castle, Krujë, Albania

The Krujë castle was the center of Skanderbeg's rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. During the Albanian Revolt of 1432-1436 the city was unsuccessfully besieged by Andrea Thopia and Ottoman rule was restored. After Skanderbeg's rebellion in 1443 the castle withstood three massive sieges from the Turks respectively in 1450, 1466 and 1467 with garrisons usually no larger than 2,000-3,000 men under Skanderbeg's command. Mehmed II 'The Conqueror' himself could not break the castle's small defenses until 1478, 10 years after the death of Skanderbeg. Today it is a center of tourism in Albania, and a source of inspiration to Albanians.

Inside the castle is the Teqe of Dollme of the Bektashi (an Islamic Sufi sect), the National Skanderbeg Museum, the remains of the Fatih Sultan Mehmed mosque and its minaret, an ethnographic museum and a Turkish bath.

Another attraction for tourists is the Ethnographic Museum, located in the south side of Kruje Castle. This museum is designed based on a typical house of 19th century. It reveals the sustainable methods of tools, food, drink and furniture production in a typical household. There are also objects and old wood and metal supplies that represent the lifestyle back then in the castle.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Andy Pascoe (2 years ago)
Great Museum (it's not a castle, but has been designed to look like one). Extremely helpful and informative lady, once engaged. There are signs everywhere saying NO PHOTOS. So at the end of the visit I asked why? The answer was a surprising; YOU CAN! So we were given permission to go around again???. Well worth the visit.

Samuel Van Gelder (2 years ago)
Great museum, very informative about Skanderbeu. Very beautiful architecture and interior- but unfortunately you can't see THAT much of the actual remains of the old castle.

Shag Shane (2 years ago)
Very nice room w/ balcony. 30 Euro, breakfast included! Great owner and staff.

Maria Soto (2 years ago)
Loved the history of this country. They are still struggling economically, but if you ever have the opportunity to visit, highly recommended.

Ron Frumkin (3 years ago)
Nice historical site with beautiful view from it. There is an interesting ethno-folklore museum, as well as several restaurants and many shops for tourists - all the same...

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