Shkoder Sights and Landmarks Guide, Albania

A wonderful city shaped as a diamond, Shkoder is definitely an undiscovered gem filled with radiance and beauty. The city provides tourists many historical sites reflecting its 2400 years of turbulent history. Blended with these sites are the places presenting Shkoder’s culture. The city is considered one of Albania’s cultural capitals and is therefore, a city worth visiting. The city takes pride of its Shkoder Sights.

Shkoder Sights – Historical Landmarks

Shkoder boasts a history that is more than 2000 years old and its past, along with its culture, is seen on the many historical landmarks found throughout the city. Tourists can plunge into the city’s history through these places.

Rozafa Castle. Sitting on top of a hill 113 meters high, this castle is a living witness to the city’s early history during the years before Christ. Rozafa Castle is a pride of the citizens of Shkoder since this is where the city was first established. Here, visitors will find what the Illyrians called the “Cyclopean Walls”. Along with these walls, a medieval castle, made of white stones, can also be seen.

Drishti Castle. Found on top of a hill in the village of Drishti, this medieval castle was a part of Shkoder’s defense during the Middle Ages. Today, tourists can see the ruins of the once grand castle and tower. Also inside the castle walls was a small Muslim village complete with mosque and a few houses.

Shkoder Sights – Museums

Museums in Shkoder display the city’s wide collection of art and historical artifacts. Discover Shkoder’s culture by visiting these magnificent houses of art and history.

Historical Museum. Housed in an old Ottoman building, visitors can catch a glimpse of Shkoder’s history by exploring this museum. The house itself is what is to be explored to learn about the city’s history especially during the Ottoman occupation. Built in 1815, the house is a perfect example of an Ottoman home. Here, tourists will find a grand balcony where important celebrations were held, wooden ceilings with intricate ornaments. In the garden, A Roman tomb is found together with a Venetian stone well. The basement of the house serves as a refuge of archaeological artifacts dating back to 350 BC.

Marubi Photo Collection. Regarded as one of the city’s grandest treasures, the photo collection is lodged on the first floor of a flat along Rr. Muhamet Gjollesha. The Marubi Photo Collection is a compilation of photo negatives showing images of the city taken between the years of 1858 and 1959. Examining these negatives gives any visitor a chance of experiencing Shkoder’s history. The Marubi Photo Collection is one of Europe’s most priceless print compilations.

Shkoder Sights – Parks

When exhausted from exploring the above-mentioned Shkoder Sights, tourists can relax in the parks found in the city. Here, they can blend in with the locals enjoying some free time.

Lulishtja e Parruces Park. The park comes to life during the late afternoons. Here, local residents of Shkoder stroll, have fun with amusement rides and play chess. Tourists can just sit on the benches, relax, eat an icecream or two, and observe the people at play.

L Gurakuqi Park. Similar to the first park, the L Gurakuqi is an ideal place for relaxation and leisure activities. Visitors can enjoy breathing in the fresh air provided by the many grass, flowers and plants. They can stroll along the pathways or just sit along the benches found in the park.

Going to Shkoder gives tourists the privilege to take a peek of the splendor offered by neighboring cities. Have time to visit Skopie Sights and Bari Sights.