Kruja - Attractions and Bazar, Private Tour from Tirana

Begin your adventure in the vibrant capital of Albania, Tirana, where modernity meets history. As you hit the road, enjoy the picturesque landscapes that unfold along the way, showcasing the diverse beauty of the Albanian countryside.

The Kruja Bazaar is famous for being one of the oldest in Albania. The construction of the beautiful and fascinating marketplace of Krujë dates back over 400 years, and was the starting point of free trade among the city’s most established merchants. It is in this particular bazaar that traders first began to officially exchange various kinds of goods with one another. Conveniently located on the main road leading to the Castle of Kruja, the space forms part of the museum while also serving its traditional commercial purpose.

The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja offers a unique tour of the ways of life and customs of the Albanian house over the centuries. The structure is unique in its kind throughout the Balkans, inspired by the Albanian and Ottoman architectural style. The construction of the house was officially dated to 1764 and was adapted as a museum in 1989. The three floors of the house-museum exhibit different aspects of the life of a wealthy Albanian family during Ottoman rule. Visitors can learn about traditional but effective systems built to self-supply the home and about organization based on the social and gender status of family environments.

The National Museum "Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg" is one of the most visited museums in Albania. Located inside the ruins of the centuries-old Castle of Kruja, the museum opened in 1982. The building is conceived as a fortress of a medieval Albanian castle with a main focus on documenting the life and work of Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, the country's national hero.

Krujë Castle has proudly stood on top of a rocky cliff, high above its city, for the last fifteen centuries. It has witnessed the long turbulent history of this place, which was once the centre of Arbëria (Albania’s ancient name). At a time when the Ottoman Empire ruled over a large swathe of Europe, including Constantinople and the Balkans, this castle remained undefeated for thirty-five years, thanks to Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, the legendary Albanian hero who defended its walls until his death.

Panoramic view and scenic drive to Sari Salltik Mountain.

As your immersive journey through history and culture in Kruje comes to a close, the return drive to Tirana offers a reflective moment to appreciate the experiences and memories gathered.