The Village of Petrelë

The Castle in the Sky

This area has a very interesting history. It is near and dear to Scanderbeg, who is an national hero. Skanderbeg, was an Albanian warlord and military commander who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

The tower in the center was built in the 5th century AD, although most of the remainder is Byzantine, dating from between the 11th and 14th centuries. The castle was used mostly to watch for Ottoman troops marching towards inner Albania. In Ottoman times, the castle was the house of Scanderbeg’s sister and he used to take time off to come and rest in the area.

The castle is tourist location close to the capital, Tirana and it attracts a great number of visitors. Today, this Castle has a prominent wooden structure that is a restaurant, it’s perched on a rocky hill, above the village. It has a triangular shape with two observation towers. 

This is 100% worth the short drive out of the capital to go and explore, enjoy some lunch and imagine what it would have been like seeing the Ottoman troops in the distance appearing over the horizon. 

Goodbye, So Long and Farewell Tirana

An Emotional Goodbye

Shortly after this day trip to explore the area and enjoy one last afternoon with my friend who I made in Albania we enjoyed lunch in a nearby restaurant, had a conversation with the Turkeys LOL and then drove back to the city.

I was leaving just a short week later to return to Canada after nearly 2 years of travelling.