Hello everyone.
At the end of our trip to Albania we visited Kruja (Krujë).
Here we visited Kruja castle, Skanderbeg Museum and Kruja Bazaar.
Kruja is town in North central Albania. It is located between mountain Kruja (Krujë) and Ishëm river. It is only 20 kilometers from Tirana.
Krujë castle and Skanderbeg Museum have very nice views and Mountain Krujë is behind them.
Before arriving to Castle of Kruja we have to pass through Kruja Bazaar.
Beautiful Bazaar that shows tradition of Albania through its shops.
There are many shops here with interesting souvenirs and handmade stuff.
Kruja Bazaar is famous for being one of the oldest Bazaars in Albania. Construction of this marketplace dates back to over 400 years ago. ( source )
Narrow cobbled street and and wooden shops are so interesting and relaxing to walk around.
As you go down the Bazaar you ask yourself what is next to see.
So many interesting rugs, handmade jewelry and wooden objects.
Kruja Bazaar reminds me of city Mostar and its Bazaar.
Same as here as you walk down Bazaar you get closer to Kruja Castle and in Mostar you get closer to Old Bridge. Also both Bazaars are on slight incline.
So many different souvenirs.
Wood work was especially interesting.
As you get to the end of Bazaar you get closer to Skandarbeg Museum and Castle of Kruja.
Beautiful view.
Entrance to Castle of Kruja.
First peak inside of the Castle.
This is minaret of Sultan Mehmed Fatih mosque of Kruja or Fethiye Mosque.
You can see parts of the walls and minaret of the mosque
It is near entrance of Museum building.
Mosque was built before 1481 inside the Castle.
Skanderbeg Museum
Museum was built at the end of 1970s. Architecturally It is inspired by traditional Albanian stone towers and medieval Romanesque architecture. (Source)
How far are you from here?
In the left part of the photo you can see remains of Castle of Kruja. I dont have better photos of the upper part of the Castle.
Here you see on Castle of Kruja.
First inside of the Castle there is Museum and on the upper part there are ruins and tower of the Castle.
Kruja Castle is built in 5th or 6th century.
Castle Kruja is situated on elevation of 557 meters and it is highest point of Kruja. With Kruja mountain behind it is hard castle to defeat.
Coming here there was a lot climbing with car. For example Tirana is on elevation of 110 meters above see level.
Here are more photos about inside of the Castle and Skandarbeg Museum.
Kruja mountain in the back
This is inside of the Skanderbeg Museum.
It is one of the most important and most visited museums in Albania.
Museum has character of memorial.
Museum building.
View from top of the Museum building must be very beautiful.
Kruja mountain.
Bazaar again.
Looks mesmerazing.
Last look at Kruja Bazaar.
Time to go.
Kruja is beautiful place. With its Bazaar and Castle it will take you through the history.
It is near Tirana and lovely place to visit.
We had good time here.
Before Kruja we were in Durres as well.
It is along Adriatic Sea coast with nice sea and beach.
This was Durres at night. Many restaurants along the coast.
Nice sea.
And guess what?
More bunkers.
Albania trip was enjoyable and relaxing.
It was my first time in Albania and I it was lovely experience.
If there is opportunity to visit Albania dont miss it.
Photos by @sammy00 .