Krujë Castle (Kalaja e Krujës)

The Basics

A symbol of Albanian resilience, the well-preserved hilltop citadel survived multiple Ottoman-led sieges. It dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries. Almost a millennium later, the Albanian military commander Gjergj Kastrioti, called the “Dragon of Albania," headquartered his army there. The castle, however, eventually fell to the Ottomans. The castle hill is still inhabited and has panoramic viewpoints and two museums.

The small city of Krujë is about 20 miles (31 kilometers) north of Tirana and is a popular day trip destination from the capital. Krujë Castle is one of Albania’s most-visited attractions: plenty of half-day and full-day guided tours include a stop at the hilltop fortress. If you prefer to visit independently, direct buses link Tirana and Krujë, which is compact and walkable.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Opening hours vary seasonally, so consult an up-to-date schedule before making your trip. The castle is closed on Mondays.
• Plan to spend a couple of hours seeing everything inside the castle.
• Krujë is home to one of Albania’s most historic marketplaces. The Old Bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs and is located right on the slope of the hill leading up to the castle.

How to Get There

Krujë is about one hour from Tirana via the SH2 and SH52 highways. The town is also reachable by bus, with direct links from the Regional Bus Terminal in Tirana outside the city center. The bus back to Tirana departs from Dede Gjo Luli Street in Krujë. All-inclusive full-day tours typically provide hotel pickup and drop-off. Taxis are another option.

When to Get There

The castle is open year-round. However, it's wise to avoid the peak summer season in July and August when temperatures can reach over 100°F (40°C), making it tough to walk the town's sloping hills and alleys. Dry and warm, May and October are ideal weather windows.

The Krujë Bazaar

One of Albania's oldest bazaars, Krujë's colorful marketplace is over four hundred years old. Here, you’ll find traditional artisan goods and local handicrafts for sale, from embroidered shawls and rugs to brassware, pottery, and antiques. The bazaar is a stone’s throw from the castle at the foot of the hill and sprawls down a picturesque cobble-stoned street, making it an ideal spot for treasure hunters and photographers alike.