Rozafa Castle, Central Albania Travel Guide

Rozafa Castle, locally known as Kalaja e Rozafës, is one of Albania's most significant historical monuments. The castle's strategic location has been inhabited since ancient Illyrian times, witnessing the rise and fall of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman empires.The castle is shrouded in the legend of Rozafa, a tale of sacrifice and devotion. According to the legend, the walls of the castle would collapse each night until Rozafa, the wife of one of the builders, was walled into the structure to appease the gods. She agreed to this fate on the condition that a part of her body – her right breast, eye, hand, and foot – remain exposed to care for her newborn son. This poignant story is immortalized in a sculpture near the entrance.Visitors can explore the castle's three courtyards, each revealing remnants of different eras. The best-preserved structure is the Church of St. Stephen, which was transformed into the Mosque of Sultan Fatih during Ottoman rule. The castle also houses a museum detailing its history and significance. Climbing the walls and towers offers breathtaking views of Lake Shkodra, the rivers, and the city.