“Albania 🇦🇱 ~The Medieval Village of Kruje, and Beyond”
Today was so fun! We started out this morning, heading for the Castle, but got distracted. Soon, we were going off the pavement onto a slow-going dirt road. It wasn’t too long before we saw what we thought had to be a walled palace of some kind; way off in the distance on the hillside. By the time we got closer, we saw the wall more clearly, but thought the “Palace” looked a bit drab. After some more driving, we would be so close we would recognized it for what it was; an Albanian Prison of sorts. We were surrounded by sheep and goats, looking at us, quite strangely, too! We were pretty sure they were not used too seeing too many tourists in front of the prison gates.
We made our way back out of that, less than interesting location, all the while appreciating the scenic Mountain View’s. and headed back to the village. We did stop to check out an ancient cistern, which water in it, but the water looked more on the side of a science project; though frogs were jumping in it when they saw us. So, it couldn’t be that bad.
Our second attempt at visiting the Castle was a success! I enjoy visiting castles all over the world, and being a sensate person, I instantly feel the energy of them; palaces included. Sometimes the energy can run quite dark, and other times quite light. Sometime I get a little of both. Castle Kluje is full of good energy. Lots of light. Less heavy, are my favorite Castle and palace experiences, though each one is special, because I Love ancient histories, regardless of what the past consists of.
Kruja Castle was historically one of the most important defensive strongholds in the country, fending off legions of foreign invaders throughout the centuries. Today, it stands as a proud reminder of Albanian perseverance and strength.
Following Skanderbeg’s revolt against the Ottomans in 1443, this castle weathered many persistent attacks from the Ottoman army. For a long time, it seemed that these attacks made the castle’s walls and Skanderbeg’s army of three-thousand men only more impenetrable. However, in 1478, ten years after Skanderbeg’s death, the castle fell to Sultan Mehmed II.
Erected as early as the 5th century, this castle had clearly weathered many storms prior to these events, but it is this particular part of history that gives it a certain kind of majesty. Albanians identify with this castle’s story, finding there the perseverance of a small, but mighty force.
Among the ruins within the castle walls stands the Old Clock Tower, with the same bell that once rung to announce the death of Skanderbeg. This clock, crafted by artisans of the Old Bazaar of Krujë, once coordinated the city’s time: such as the opening and closing hours of the shops, as well as the times of prayer.
After our Castle time, and Daryl went into the museum, we stopped for our usual iced coffee. As we drank our refreshment, at an outside table, it started raining. It felt so good, for the air cooled and it smelled so fresh. We did not flee, but held our cameras under the table. We haven’t seen much rain since April, and now, two days in a row. The rain did not last long, and then we walked around more of the Bazaar, that was closer to the castle entrance. We found a cool antique shop, then I offered to go get the car, and leave Daryl unsupervised inside the goodie shop. Luckily he didn’t buy anything! 🤣🤣
These Bazaar shops were closest to the Castle entrance
The 40-year-old Grand Bazaar of Kruje is located on the road heading towards the castle. In its heyday, this Bazaar had more than 150 merchants who supplied the castle’s inhabitants. Now, the bazaar sells traditional handmade objects and souvenirs, keeping the legacy of fine craftsmanship alive. The sights are endless in this small yet significant city, symbols of a country’s bravery and persistence throughout the centuries.
Join the Conversation
Archive Blog Posts of Our Country Visits
About Us
About Us
Hello and Welcome to our Travel Blog Website, We enjoy writing about our experiences and taking photos of our adventuring along the way. Our names are: Daryl and Pen, but Daryl calls me “Bunny.” We met, quite randomly, whilst both… Read More
Super cool, it does indeed look like a magical day!! So happy y’all are on the road again. ❤️
We are so happy!