Krujë
Country: Albania
Region: Europe
Period: 1190-1255
Location: 41.5095°N, 19.7926°E
Description
Krujë, perched on a mountainside in central Albania, was the capital of the Principality of Arbanon, the first Albanian state in the Middle Ages. Its natural fortification made it a strategic stronghold. Krujë was a political and cultural hub for early Albanian identity and later gained fame as the center of resistance under national hero Skanderbeg during the Ottoman invasions.
Modern Remains
Krujë’s historic castle still stands, offering panoramic views and housing the Skanderbeg Museum and ethnographic museum. Remains of medieval walls and watchtowers survive. The Old Bazaar, with Ottoman-era architecture and artisan shops, preserves the feel of its rich and layered history.