Situated near the border with Montenegro, Shkodra in Albania serves as a gateway to breathtaking natural landscapes in various directions from the city. To the east lies the Drin River, which flows through canyons; to the west, the Adriatic Sea beckons with its sandy beaches; and to the northeast rise the majestic Albanian Alps, where one can conquer the country’s tallest peaks. For those with an interest in history, Shkodra offers numerous attractions, as it has functioned as a vital trading hub for millennia and was once settled by both the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Exploring Shkodra provides an opportunity to delve into Albanian history and culture, with mosques, cathedrals, workshops, and photographic archives readily accessible.
Summary
1. Rozafa Fortress
Throughout Shkodra’s history, every civilization has utilized this strategic location on a rocky hill adjacent to the confluence of the Drin and Bojana Rivers. Approximately 2,500 years ago, an Illyrian stronghold occupied this site, with later fortifications incorporating its remnants. The Romans also made their presence known, although the majority of the existing ruins date back to the Venetian period when the castle sustained damage after a siege by the Ottomans in 1478. The fortress remained a site of historical significance until 1912, when it was defended by Ottoman forces against Montenegrin and Serbian troops.
2. Shkodra Historical Museum
Positioned in a remarkable location, this museum sits atop a steep hill overlooking the city. The building itself is a former Venetian merchant’s residence, complete with original stone fortifications. Consequently, the Historical Museum possesses both cultural and historical significance. Its compact exhibits offer detailed insights into ancient activities in the region, spanning the Byzantine era, Ottoman occupation, and the oppressive regime under Enver Hoxha. Visitors should not miss the original Venetian stone well and remnants of a Roman tomb in the garden.
3. Marubi Photo Collection
Pietro Marubi, an Italian photographer, sought refuge in Shkodra during the mid-19th century due to political exile. A supporter of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who fled to America following the failed siege of Rome in 1849, Marubi captured approximately 500,000 photographs during his career. These images are preserved or showcased at this site on Muhamet Gollesha, vividly documenting life in Shkodra during the 19th and early 20th centuries, along with the social norms and attire of that era. The collection was later curated by the local Kodheli brothers, who adopted various photographic techniques and continued the tradition until Kel Khodeli’s death in 1940.
4. Lake Shkodra
This expansive lake, the largest in the Balkans, marks a natural boundary between Albania and Montenegro. Visitors can rent bicycles in Shkodra or take a bus to the western outskirts and complete the remaining five kilometers on foot. Close to the Montenegro border lies the Lake Shkodra Resort, offering chalets and camping facilities directly on the shores, with the Albanian Peaks visible in the backdrop. Kayak rentals and hiking opportunities around the scenic perimeter of the lake are also available.
5. Shurdhah Island
Located on a day trip southeast of the city, Lake Vau-Dejes was created when the River Drin was dammed. During the summer, boat excursions to Shurdhah Island are available. This island, nearly 400 meters in length and covered in dense vegetation, presents a small adventure opportunity for visitors who wish to explore the remnants of Sarda, an ancient city. It began as an Illyrian settlement, later becoming a Roman citadel. During medieval times, it gained notoriety for its 365 altars and served as the seat for the Bishops of Sarda and Sapa before being destroyed by the Ottomans and subsequently becoming an island with the completion of the dam.
6. Lake Koman Ferry
Just over an hour’s drive east of Shkodra, an unforgettable experience awaits aboard the Lake Koman ferry. This passenger transport connects Koman with the town of Fierze, providing an essential means to experience the stunning, cinematic scenery surrounding the lake while engaging with local residents. The ferry frequently makes stops along the shore to pick up farmers and livestock, at times appearing precariously overloaded as it navigates through breathtaking mountainous terrain.
7. Albanian Alps
For those undeterred by their daunting title, the Accursed Mountains near the borders of Kosovo and Montenegro offer some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Albania. A drive along the gravel road to Theth leads to Maja Jezerce, Albania’s highest peak at 2,694 meters. This area is quite remote, necessitating careful preparation for excursions; however, with adequate research, it is possible to connect with local businesses providing hiking support and travel itineraries in this dramatic location.
8. Venice Art Mask Factory
This unique combination of workshop and museum is managed by Edmond Angoni, an Albanian artisan who emigrated to Italy in the 1990s to master Venetian mask-making. He has established a successful career designing masks for various productions and films, most notably Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut in 1999. Recently, he relocated his operations to Shkodra, employing numerous locals at his workshop. Visitors can explore Angoni’s extensive collection of masks, crafted from materials ranging from metal to papier-mâché, and may also observe the mask-making process or even attempt to create their own design.
9. Shkodra Cathedral
Commonly referred to as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this structure was consecrated in 1867. Notably, the cathedral is a Catholic edifice in a predominantly Muslim nation where many Christians adhere to Eastern Orthodoxy. This fact underscores Albania’s role as a crossroads of global religions and highlights the resurgence of religious freedom following the end of the communist period. The first Catholic mass since 1967 was held at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in 1990, during which notable figures such as Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II visited in the early 1990s.
10. Ebu Bekr Mosque
Shkodra’s principal mosque, Ebu Bekr, carries the name of the Ottoman statesman Ebubekir Pasha, who resided during the 17th and 18th centuries. At its peak, the mosque included a respected madrasa, attracting Muslim scholars from across the region. Following Rozafa Fortress, it stands as Shkodra’s primary landmark, with its tall minarets serving as helpful reference points for navigating the city. Despite its Ottoman origins, Ebu Bekr underwent renovations after the fall of communism in Albania, resulting in a modernized appearance.
11. Mes Bridge
Spanning the Khir River five kilometers northeast of Shkodra, this magnificent Ottoman bridge is set in an idyllic environment, framed by the hills of Maranai Nature Park and lush vegetation lining the banks of a shallow river that entices swimmers in summer. The Mes Bridge represents Ottoman Albania’s largest river crossing with a length of 100 meters, dating back to 1770. Humans have crossed this river at this location since time immemorial, historically serving as a trade route between Shkodra and Pristina in Kosovo.
12. Lezha
A few kilometers south of Shkodra, adjacent to the Adriatic Sea, lies the compact city of Lezha, founded in antiquity as the Greek port of Lissus. Visitors can wander through the ruins at the town’s archaeological park. Lezha’s main attraction is the mausoleum of Skanderbeg, a significant figure in Albanian history. Skanderbeg, the national hero and Prince of Kastrioti, is renowned for his military prowess in defending against the Ottoman Empire during the 1400s. The memorial features a modern portico that shelters the ruins of the Church of San Nikolas, where Skanderbeg’s tomb is located, along with an exhibit of his weaponry.
13. Podgorica
The border proximity encourages visitors to broaden their horizons by venturing to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. The primary motivation for such a visit is to immerse oneself in the culture and daily life of a city often overlooked by tourists. Podgorica exudes a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, characterized by lively streets filled with cafes and restaurants. This ambiance is most palpable in Stara Varos, the Old Turkish Town, which features narrow, winding paved streets and cultural gems, including a stone Clock Tower dating back to the 1600s.
14. Ulcinj
Located in Montenegro, Ulcinj finds its place on the Adriatic coast and is positioned opposite Lake Shkodra from Podgorica. Given the ambiguity of borders in this region, it is noteworthy that Ulcinj has an ethnic Albanian population comprising 80%. A brief drive to this coastal resort reveals beaches that are gaining international acclaim. Visitors can explore over 30 kilometers of coastline and choose from 25 distinct beaches, including Velika Plaza, a long and wide sandy beach with rolling surf, which is accessible by bus from the center of Ulcinj.
15. Tirana
Albania’s capital city represents a convenient excursion, situated less than 100 kilometers south of Shkodra. Though considerably younger than Shkodra, having been established in the 1600s, Tirana offers vital insights into the Communist regime under Enver Hoxha, who ruled for four decades. Notable structures, such as a grand pyramid built to honor Hoxha posthumously and a subterranean nuclear bunker resembling an underground city, can be found in the area. Moreover, visitors can take a modern cable car ride up to Dajti Mountain, which overlooks the eastern region of the city and forms part of a national park.
