Northwest Albania, Exploring Shkodra

Named after the biggest lake in the Balkans

Shkodra city is situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is said to be one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in the 4th century B.C. 

Shkodra is the doorway to the country (from the North of course) for the magical natural landscapes in almost every direction. East down the Drin River through canyons, west to the Adriatic Sea and beautiful beaches, northeast are the Albanian Alps.

We took a drive to the North of Albania on the border of Montenegro. We were just cruising down the highway and traffic jam speeds, buwahahaha, so it took a little while to get there.

I can see why people are so hyped about this city of 200,000 people. It is a very very charming city, seemingly quaint and relaxed, beautiful architecture that is highly influenced by the Venetian style and surrounded by nature.

Rozafa Castle (Kalaja e Rozafes)

Every civilisation in Shkodra’s history has used this strategic spot perched on a rocky hill, 130 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Buna and Drin rivers. An Illyrian stronghold was here 2,500 years ago and elements of it were adapted for the fortresses that followed. The Romans also left their mark, but most of the ruins are from Venetian times when the castle was sieged by the Ottomans in 1478. The castle was in use until recent years in 1912 when it was defended by the Ottomans against Montenegrin and Serbian forces.

The Great Mosque

This beautiful mosque is in the center of Shkoder, right by the main pedestrian street. The exterior is gorgeous, with a very peaceful garden. The mosque covers 6,702.9 sq ft and can accommodate 1,300 worshipers. The interior is stunning of course, but make sure to take your shoes off before entering a mosque and the ladies must be sure to cover up and enter in the separate entrance from the men.

The Pedestrian Street

One of my favorite things to do when I travel, especially when I’m in Europe, is to visit the local pedestrian street. They’re usually located in the heart of the cities. They are a melting pot of local culture, food, and life…seeing how they do things mid day in Shkodra, on Rruga Kole Idromeno (Kole Idromeno Street).

The Catholic Cathedral

This building was born in 1867. An interesting thing you will find is that you can find a catholic church, a mosque, an orthodox church nearly on the same block every where in Albania (from what I can tell so far).  It truly shows how Albania is such a meeting point for the religions of the world and shows that religious freedom is a gift and is widely accepted.