Tirana to Kruja Castle and Lezhe: Private day trip

Just 7 years after deserting Ottoman forces, Skanderbeg would become Albania’s greatest hero for his series of victories over vastly superior Ottoman forces. Skanderbeg’s crowning achievement was holding Kruje Castle against a force of 100,000 men, led by Mehmed II The Conqueror himself. Built on the ruins of the original keep, visitors can learn about this pivotal point in Albanian history and enjoy fantastic views of the mountainous surroundings.

Dating back to at least the 8th century BC, every major empire to hold power in the region had an interest in the strategically located town. Interestingly, while under ancient Illyrian and Macedonian control the town maintained a large degree of autonomy, and minted its own coins. Through the Middle Ages, it changed hands many times, eventually coming under Venetian control in 1386. Because it was under the Venetian control, Skanderbeg decided it would be a neutral place for the convention of Albanian, Serbian, Dalmatian and other lords to organizing their common defence against the Turks. Skanderbeg’s tomb is now one of the town’s main attractions, where visitors can learn about the Albanian national hero’s life. The other is Lezhe Castle, which has architectural elements from the city’s former Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rulers.