SHKODER
Capital of the Illyrian Kingdom
Kryeqyteti i Mbretërisë Ilire
SHKODER
Capital of the Illyrian Kingdom
Kryeqyteti i Mbretërisë Ilire
Overview
Overview of Shkoder
Overview
The town of Shkoder is regarded as one of the oldest cities in Europe. In ancient times, it was the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom known as Ardiaei. However, in 167BC, it was conquered by the Roman Empire. In the 20th century the Kingdom of Montenegro wanted Shkoder to be part of its territory, however it wasn’t approved by the international community. Thus, the town remained a part of Albania. The main attractions of the town comprise of the Marubi Photo Exhibition and Rozafa Castle. The Photo Exhibition contains a rare insight of 19th Century Albania with portraits, places, and events. Rozafa Castle is an ancient fortification that has been established during BC times. It also possesses a haunting folklore. The drawcard of Shkoder is definitely its hike of the ‘Accursed Mountains’, which is regarded by many travellers as the highlight of Albania. The journey comprises of Lake Koman, and the villages of Theth and Valbone.
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Sights & Trips
Regarded by many travelers as the highlight of Albania. Known as a place of beauty, isolation, and adventure. The best way to explore all the attractions is to follow this sequence; Shkodra to Koman by Furgon (minivan): 7am to 9am. Koman to Fierze by boat: 9am to 1pm (~4 euros). Fierze to Valbone by Furgon: Awaiting (~3 euros). Spend a night in Valbone. Valbone to Theth by hike: 6/7 hours (Free/ local guide: ~30 euros/ Official: 50 Euros). Spend a night in Theth. Theth to Shkodra by Furgon: ~4 hours. Most of the accommodation in Theth and Valbone provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Marubi are a famous photography dynasty of Albania. In fact, they were the first Albanian photographers. The first photo was taken here in Shkodra by Pjeter Marubi in 1858. The exhibition provides a rare insight of 19th Century Albania; which includes portraits, places, and events.
The castle is located 3km from the town centre, near the southern end of Lake Shkodra. The outpost of the castle, provides amazing views of the lake. The Fortifications of the fortress, was first established by the ‘Illyrians’ during BC. Much later, the fortress was rebuilt by the Venetians (Republic of Venice) and the Ottoman Empire. The name ‘Rozafa’ derives from an ancient Folklore about 3 brothers who had an initiative to build a castle. However the brothers had a major issue, and that was the castle walls kept falling down. One day an old man gave the brothers a solution to fix their problem, and that was for one of their wives to be buried alive in the wall. Only this alone, would allow the castle walls to stand up right forever. The old man gave them specific instructions to not tell their wives, and that the wife who brings you food tomorrow will be the one cemented in the wall. 2 of the oldest brothers told their wife about the old man, however the youngest swore his oath. The next day, the youngest brother’s wife (Rozafa) came to give him food, which resulted to her being the sacrifice for the castle. She didn’t refuse the ordeal, however she requested for the right side of her body to be uncovered, so it could nurture her new born. At the entrance of the Castle, is a wall sculpture of Rozafa’s half body cemented in the wall, with her infant on her right side. There is a tradition where the women of Shkodra go to the fortress to smear their breast among the castle walls.
Regarded by many travelers as the highlight of Albania. Known as a place of beauty, isolation, and adventure. The best way to explore all the attractions is to follow this sequence; Shkodra to Koman by Furgon (minivan): 7am to 9am. Koman to Fierze by boat: 9am to 1pm (~4 euros). Fierze to Valbone by Furgon: Awaiting (~3 euros). Spend a night in Valbone. Valbone to Theth by hike: 6/7 hours (Free/ local guide: ~30 euros/ Official: 50 Euros). Spend a night in Theth. Theth to Shkodra by Furgon: ~4 hours. Most of the accommodation in Theth and Valbone provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Marubi are a famous photography dynasty of Albania. In fact, they were the first Albanian photographers. The first photo was taken here in Shkodra by Pjeter Marubi in 1858. The exhibition provides a rare insight of 19th Century Albania; which includes portraits, places, and events.
The castle is located 3km from the town centre, near the southern end of Lake Shkodra. The outpost of the castle, provides amazing views of the lake. The Fortifications of the fortress, was first established by the ‘Illyrians’ during BC. Much later, the fortress was rebuilt by the Venetians (Republic of Venice) and the Ottoman Empire. The name ‘Rozafa’ derives from an ancient Folklore about 3 brothers who had an initiative to build a castle. However the brothers had a major issue, and that was the castle walls kept falling down. One day an old man gave the brothers a solution to fix their problem, and that was for one of their wives to be buried alive in the wall. Only this alone, would allow the castle walls to stand up right forever. The old man gave them specific instructions to not tell their wives, and that the wife who brings you food tomorrow will be the one cemented in the wall. 2 of the oldest brothers told their wife about the old man, however the youngest swore his oath. The next day, the youngest brother’s wife (Rozafa) came to give him food, which resulted to her being the sacrifice for the castle. She didn’t refuse the ordeal, however she requested for the right side of her body to be uncovered, so it could nurture her new born. At the entrance of the Castle, is a wall sculpture of Rozafa’s half body cemented in the wall, with her infant on her right side. There is a tradition where the women of Shkodra go to the fortress to smear their breast among the castle walls.