Petrela Castle continues to attract visitors as one of Albania’s most popular cultural tourism destinations.
Located on a hill about 17 kilometers southeast of Tirana, the castle offers impressive views of the Erzen Valley and a unique experience for both local and international visitors.
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Petrela Castle on social media, highlighting its growing number of visitors during the tourist season.
The castle allows visitors to explore its ancient walls, discover its history and enjoy traditional cuisine in nearby restaurants.
Petrela Castle has experienced several periods of construction and destruction throughout history. Experts believe it was first built during late antiquity, between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, and later rebuilt during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
The castle gained particular importance in the 11th century during conflicts between the Normans and Byzantines.
In the early 14th century, the Topiaj feudal family controlled Petrela Castle, which stood on their territory between the Mat and Shkumbin rivers.
During the 15th century, Petrela became the first fortress after Kruja to be surrounded and liberated by national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The castle also played a key role in resisting the Ottoman invasion until the final years of Skënderbeu’s life.
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