Discover Krujë, an enchanting mountain village nestled in northern Albania, merely an hour and a half’s drive from the bustling capital of Tirana. This historical town presents a unique opportunity to trace the steps of Skanderbeg, the legendary Albanian hero who fiercely resisted Ottoman rule. Featuring attractions like the ancient Krujë Castle and the colorful Old Bazaar, Krujë stands out as a must-visit destination in Albania. Continue reading this blog to uncover the best activities in the city, complete with handy tips.
Where is Krujë located in Albania?
Positioned at the base of the Albanian Alps in the northern part of the country, Krujë proved to be an ideal pit stop for us in our camper van journey from Valbona to Tirana.
The city is conveniently reachable for a day trip from Tirana, located just under an hour and a half away by car. Consequently, it is a favored spot for day excursions. The coastal town of Durrës, famed for its beaches, is also close by. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Krujë to Durrës.
What Krujë is Famous For
Krujë is renowned for its historical ties to Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti. This nobleman and strategic military leader of the 15th century is believed to have been born here, although this is not confirmed. Regardless, he established Krujë as the heart of his 25-year-long resistance against the Ottoman empire.
Skanderbeg is a celebrated figure across Albania, where his name and image symbolize national pride. Captured as a boy and taken to the Ottoman court, he was trained to be an Ottoman warrior. He was given the Ottoman name Iskender, with the title ‘bey’, which evolved into Skanderbeg. In 1443, he returned to Albania, successfully reclaiming Krujë from the Ottomans, and it became his stronghold for nearly three decades of rebellion.
Skanderbeg is especially admired for his ability to unite Albania’s diverse clans against a common adversary, overcoming the historical regional divisions. Under his leadership, the Albanian forces consistently repelled the larger and more powerful Ottoman army, securing a temporary independence for Albania from Ottoman rule.
Nowadays, you can visit the Skanderbeg Museum within the castle walls to learn more about this Albanian icon.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay in Krujë
While Krujë is small enough to be explored in a day from Tirana, we recommend considering an overnight stay in Krujë. This allows you to experience the old bazaar and historic castle away from the daily influx of tourists, providing a more relaxed and immersive experience. Plus, Krujë is a perfect stopover on your way from Tirana to the breathtaking Albanian Alps. We chose to spend a night here and highly suggest you do too.
The top hotels in Krujë:
#1 Hotel Panorama is the village’s favorite hotel, offering stunning panoramic views over the landscape, the ancient town, and Krujë Castle. The hotel also features a lovely outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers for guests to relax and enjoy.
#2 Kruja Albergo Diffuso boasts a spectacular location within the historic castle walls. Guests love this hotel for its blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, spectacular views, and outstanding hospitality.
#3 Vila HK occupies a traditional building styled in Ottoman architecture. The hotel is highly rated for its exceptional service and spacious, well-appointed rooms. Opt for a city-view room to enhance your stay with beautiful views right from your window.
Krujë Tourist Map
Best things to do in Krujë
#1 Krujë Castle
Perched on a steep hill above the town of Krujë, Krujë Castle stands as a powerful symbol of Albanian resistance against Ottoman rule. This historic fortress offers breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside and the distant Adriatic Sea, serving as a strategic defense site for centuries.
The castle was initially built between the 5th and 6th centuries but gained prominence during the 15th century when it became the headquarters for Albania’s nearly three-decade resistance led by Skanderbeg. Remarkably, the castle withstood numerous attacks by the Ottoman forces. It also served as a launching point for Albanian guerrilla tactics. Skanderbeg, revered as Albania’s national hero, made his mark from this formidable stronghold.
Today, much of the original castle has been reduced to ruins, but the remaining walls hint at its former grandeur, with thick walls, multiple towers, and gates. Within the castle walls, you will find museums, and the views from the castle ramparts over the Kruje landscape are truly stunning. The castle grounds are free to visit, with a small fee required for entry to the museums.
#2 The Old Bazaar
Situated at the base of the historic Krujë Castle and along the old main road that leads up to it, the Old Bazaar is likely the first attraction you’ll encounter in Krujë. It is recognized as the oldest bazaar in Albania, boasting a 400-year history that adds to its charming ambiance. Imagine wandering a narrow, cobblestoned street lined with wooden houses adorned with traditional Ottoman-style carvings.
Despite references to its ‘narrow, cobblestoned streets’, the Old Bazaar primarily consists of a single lane that winds its way uphill toward the castle. This lane is flanked by quaint wooden houses that hide a wealth of merchandise behind their doors. While the area has a high tourist appeal, it is an excellent place to shop for unique handmade items like handwoven carpets, vibrant textiles, intricate wood carvings, traditional silverware, and antique artifacts.
The combination of the cobblestone path and the array of handmade goods makes the bazaar incredibly photogenic and maintains its historical feel.
Because the Old Bazaar is compact and Krujë is a popular destination, it can become quite crowded, especially when visitors from Tirana arrive around midday. To avoid the busiest times, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
#3 Skanderbeg Museum
Formally known as the National History Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu”, this museum is dedicated to Skanderbeg, Albania’s beloved national hero, who led the fight against the Ottomans in the 15th century.
The museum is nestled within the walls of Krujë Castle and stands as the primary attraction among the ancient ruins. While it appears to be an old building, it was actually constructed in the 1970s by a team of architects, including the daughter of dictator Enver Hoxha, and opened in 1982. Its design mimics that of the medieval fortress, adding to the castle’s historical aura.
Inside, the museum displays an array of artifacts from Skanderbeg’s era, including armor, personal belongings, detailed frescoes, and documents that outline his strategic military campaigns against the Ottomans.
#4 Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum in Kruje provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional Albanian life. It is housed in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era home from the 18th century, similar in style to those found in Gjirokaster. The building was once the residence of the affluent Toptani family and enjoys a privileged position within the walls of Krujë Castle.
As you explore the museum, you’ll walk through fifteen rooms filled with authentic furnishings and household items that showcase the daily lives of Albanian nobility from that period. The collection includes traditional clothing, textiles, kitchenware, and weaponry.
#5 George Bush Monument
A short drive from the mountain village of Krujë brings you to its less picturesque counterpart, Fushë Krujë. It’s home to an unexpected and striking monument dedicated to George Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.
This monument was erected following President Bush’s historic visit to Albania in 2007. The nearly 3-meter-tall statue captures him in a casual pose, with sleeves rolled up, waving to onlookers. It’s prominently placed in the village center, making it an unmissable landmark.
The monument commemorates Bush as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Albania, marking a memorable event for a country that was governed by a strict dictatorship until the 1990s.
#6 Sari Salltik’s Chapel
Located just outside Krujë on Mount Skenderbeu, at an elevation of 1,176 meters, lies a remarkable chapel dedicated to Sari Salltik. He was a 13th-century figure revered in the Bektashi faith, a branch of Islam focused on spiritual wisdom and connection. Sari Salltik is celebrated as a mystical saint who played a significant role in spreading this faith throughout the Balkans.
The chapel is set within a cave and includes a tekke, a type of Sufi monastery, where visitors can meditate and enjoy breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea. While the hike to the chapel offers a scenic route through beautiful landscapes, those preferring a less strenuous visit can also reach it by car.
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