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Tirana Castle: A Historical Crossroads

Explore Tirana Castle: A blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Albanian history in the heart of Tirana. Discover cultural treasures and culinary delights.

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Tirana Castle, also known as the Fortress of Justinian, is a historical site in the heart of Tirana, Albania, with remnants dating back to the Byzantine era. Once a crucial crossroads, it now houses restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions within its walls.

A brief summary to Tirana Castle

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime to fully appreciate the outdoor seating areas at the cafes along the castle walls.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be exploring both the interior of the castle, filled with shops, and the pedestrian streets outside.
  • Try local specialties like pomegranate ice cream from the Turkish ice cream stores within the Tirana Castle area.
  • Consider visiting in the evening for a relaxing walk amidst the illuminated cafes and souvenir shops inside the castle walls.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Tirana Castle is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most major points in downtown Tirana, including Skanderbeg Square. From the square, walk south along Murat Toptani Street; the castle walls will be on your left. There are no entrance fees to access the castle grounds.

  • Public Transport

    Tirana has an extensive public bus system. Many bus lines stop near the city center, within walking distance of Tirana Castle. The average bus fare in Tirana is 40 lek for urban lines. Pay in cash to the driver or conductor upon boarding.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tirana. You can hail one from the street or use a ride-hailing app. A short taxi ride from Skanderbeg Square or another central location to Tirana Castle typically costs between 300-400 Lek. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Tirana Castle

Tirana Castle, or the Fortress of Justinian, stands as a significant historical landmark in Albania's capital city. Its history stretches back to before 1300, with origins in the Byzantine era. The castle marks the spot where the main east-west and north-south roads once intersected, forming the nucleus of Tirana. During the Early Byzantine Period (4th to 6th century), the castle may have been among the fortifications constructed or rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. In the late 18th century, during Ottoman times, Ahmet Pasha Bargjini constructed a new castle on the ruins of its predecessor. The Toptani family from Krujë seized the castle in 1798, sparking a protracted feud between the two families, during which ownership changed hands multiple times. The Toptanis partly rebuilt the castle after an 1817 siege devastated both it and the town. However, in 1832, the castle was demolished at the command of Ottoman Grand Vizier Reşid Mehmed Pasha. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle, including a 6-meter-high Ottoman-era wall covered in vines. The uncovered wall foundations have been integrated into the pedestrianized Murat Toptani Street. The site also features a mosaic commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Albania's Independence, unveiled near the Albanian Parliament. Inside the castle walls, a traditional bazaar offers handcraft stores and traditional cuisine. Tirana Castle was declared a Monument of Culture of the first category on June 10, 1973, and the new tracks of walls of Tirana Castle were declared a cultural monument on May 15, 2008.

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