Rozafa Castle, Shkodra Highlands Travel Guide

Rozafa Castle, known locally as Kalaja e Rozafës, stands proudly on a rocky hill overlooking the city of Shkodër, Albania, at the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers. This strategic location has been inhabited since ancient times, with the first fortifications constructed by Illyrian tribes as early as the 9th century BCE. Over the centuries, the castle has been a silent witness to the rise and fall of empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.The castle's name is tied to the legend of Rozafa, a tale known to every Albanian child. According to the story, three brothers struggled to build the castle, with the walls collapsing each night. An old man advised them that they needed to bury one of their wives alive in the walls to ensure the castle's stability. The brothers agreed, and Rozafa, the wife of the youngest brother, was chosen. She accepted her fate on the condition that her right breast, eye, hand, and foot be left exposed so she could continue to care for her infant son. A statue near the entrance commemorates this legend.Today, Rozafa Castle is open to visitors year-round, offering a glimpse into its layered past. Inside the castle walls, you'll find remnants of various civilizations, including a museum detailing the castle's history and artifacts from archaeological excavations. The Church of St. Stephen, later converted into the Mosque of Sultan Fatih, stands as a testament to the castle's diverse cultural influences. The castle's walls, stretching 880 meters, enclose an area of nine hectares and offer stunning panoramic views of Lake Shkodra, the rivers, and the surrounding Albanian Alps.