Rozafa Castle Travel Guide

Perched on a rocky hill 130 meters above sea level, Rozafa Castle offers panoramic views of Shkodër, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding Albanian Alps. Founded by the Illyrians, the castle was captured by the Romans in 167 BC and later controlled by the Venetians and Ottomans. The castle's strategic location has made it a focal point of numerous sieges throughout history.The castle is divided into three courtyards, each showcasing different historical periods. Within the walls, visitors can explore the ruins of warehouses, water cisterns, prisons, and residential quarters. The Church of St. Stephen, later converted into the Mosque of Sultan Fatih, stands as a testament to the castle's diverse past. The Rozafa Castle Museum, located in a 15th-century Venetian building, displays archaeological objects and exhibits detailing the castle's 4000-year history.The legend of Rozafa tells the tale of a woman who was walled into the castle to prevent its collapse. She agreed to the sacrifice on the condition that she could continue to care for her infant son, with her right breast, eye, hand, and foot remaining free. A statue near the entrance commemorates this legend. Today, Rozafa Castle is easily accessible from the city center and offers a unique blend of history, myth, and natural beauty.