| Mirë se vini në Rozafës Kalaja! Rozafa Castle is a ruins that sits on a high rocky hill near the city of Shkoder in northwestern Albania. The hill is surrounded by the Bojana and Drin Rivers about 130 meters above sea level. This area is very historical and economic to the culture of Albania. Since the hill is in such a strategic location, this hill has been settled for thousands upon thousands of years. An Illyrian stronghold was here until it was captured by the Romans in the year of 167 B.C. The ancient city of Shkoder was also fortunate to be at such a perfect position. The fertile fields, rivers, and a castle were all right there to protect them from enemy forces and supply the area with resources. Since Rozafa Castle has been built, it has been the sight of many sieges, including the siege of Shkodra by the Ottomans of 1478-1479. A small force of 1,600 Albanians and Italians faced a force of nearly 350,000 Ottomans. The Ottoman force ended up starving the Albanian defenders to surrender after defeating surrounding defenders. The castle also played a role in the siege of Scutari in the winter of 1912-1913 with Montegro and Serbia against the Ottoman Empire. Since then the castle has long been in ruins. Due to its extraordinary history, this site is a hot spot for archaeology. The castle and its surrounding area are all part of an Archaeological Park of Albania. The city of Shkodra can be seen from the many walls. Faleminderit për vizitën! |