Krujë Castle (Kalaja e Krujës)

The settlement of the rock on which the fortress stands dates back to the 4th or 5th century. From the 12th century onwards, the complex was fortified with mighty walls. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands, including the Thopia family, until the Ottomans took control in 1415. A decisive moment was in 1443, when Skanderbeg took possession of the fortress without a fight. The Fortress of Kruja withstood three major sieges by Ottoman armies in 1450, 1466, and 1467. It was not until 1478, a decade after Skanderbeg's death, that the fortress finally fell to the Ottomans after a fourth siege, who then erected numerous buildings in the Ottoman style.

The Fortress of Kruja is located in the city of Kruja in the district of Kruja, Durrës region, Albania. It is situated on a rock block that slopes steeply on all sides, at an elevation of approximately 576 meters above sea level.

Today, the extensive fortress grounds house the Skanderbeg Museum, a modern building from the 1980s, as well as an Ethnographic Museum. Visitors can also explore remnants of houses, a church, and mosques. A defensive tower at the upper end, a Turkish bath, and a Bektashi tekke at the lower end are also preserved. Some of the houses in the lower part of the complex are still inhabited, and there are several restaurants.

• Prezë Castle Ruins (Kalaja e Prezës) (Ruins), approx. 13.2 km away
• Dajti Castle Ruins (Kalaja e Dajtit) (Ruins), approx. 20.2 km away
• Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Katedralja e Ringjalljes së Krishtit) (Sacred building), approx. 20.2 km away
• Justinian Fortress (Kalaja e Justinianit) (Fortress), approx. 20.3 km away