Shkodra (Skodra, Scobre, Scorda, Skodrai, Skodre) (pop. 100,000) lies about 100 km from Tirana and is the largest city in the north of Albania. Shkodra has been inhabited continuously since its foundation in the 4th century BC. In the southerly part of the city rises the Castle of Rozafa, and in the surrounding neighbourhood there are prehistoric burial grounds and both ancient and medieval fortified settlements.  

Castle Rozafa
the background of Shkodra City, the ‘Rozafa’ rises imposingly on a rocky hill, 130 m the sea level.
The hill on which castle lies, is in the center of all routes. The castle has faced the torrents of history for thousand of years retaining ancient and medieval traces which are inseparably bound up with the roots of Shkodra City. Its legend, archeology and history testify to its early existence. The legend is about the initiative of three brothers who set about building the castle. They worked all day, but the walls fell down at night. They met a clever old man who advised them to sacrifice someone so that the walls would stand. The three brothers found it difficult to decide whom to sacrifice. Finally, they decided to sacrifice one of their wives who would bring lunch to them next day. The wife of the youngest brother was predestined to be walled. The faithfulness of the youngest brother and the life sacrifice of his young wife are highlighted as elements that acquire symbolic importance. The woman who had to be walled was a mother who did not oppose to her being walled on condition that they leave her right breast exposed so as to feed her newborn son, her right hand to caress him and her right foot to rock his cradle.

Although archeological excavations have not yet been completed in this habitation, certain traces of different historical periods testify that the castle is one of the most ancient residential areas in the Shkodra basin. It was inhabited in the Bronze Age period, approximately 4000 years ago. Visitors appreciate visiting the numerous buildings and monuments that belong to different historical periods. The ancient and rich culture of the city can be traced to its foundations.