Rozafa Castle has officially surpassed 100,000 visitors this year, confirming its position as one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites and the top tourist attraction in the city of Shkodra.

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra announced the milestone today. Consequently, these high visitor numbers demonstrate the growing interest from both local and international tourists in the rich history, architecture, and cultural value of this iconic fortress.

Perched on a strategic hill at the entrance of the city about 130 meters above sea level, Rozafa Castle boasts a storied past that dates back to the Illyrian era. Subsequently, the fortress passed through significant Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman historical phases. Furthermore, its dominant location overlooking the city, Lake Shkodra, and the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers made it a vital defensive stronghold for centuries.

Inside the fortress walls, visitors can explore the Castle Museum, which exhibits the millennium-old history of the monument alongside key developments of Shkodra itself. Additionally, the castle remains deeply tied to one of Albania’s most famous folklore legends, the tale of Rozafa, which symbolizes sacrifice, endurance, and honor within the national cultural memory.

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