# Krujë Fortress

- **Country:** Albania
- **Coordinates:** 41.506997, 19.794108
- **Notes:** The fortress served as the center of Skanderbeg's rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
- **Condition:** preserved
- **Year Built:** 5th–6th century
- **Location Text:** Krujë''''

Krujë Fortress, located in the city of Krujë, Albania, at an elevation of 557 meters, was constructed in the 5th century and has served as a strategic military stronghold for centuries. Though specific architectural details are not extensively documented, it is recognized as a medieval fortress that played a pivotal role in Albanian history. The site became the epicenter of Skanderbeg's 15th-century rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, withstanding multiple sieges in 1450, 1466, and 1467 despite small garrisons. Ottoman forces under Mehmed II eventually captured it in 1478, a decade after Skanderbeg's death, marking a significant chapter in the region's resistance.  

Today, the fortress is a prominent tourist destination and cultural symbol. It houses the National Skanderbeg Museum, featuring 15th-century artifacts, along with a Bektashi Teqe, an ethnographic museum, a Turkish bath, and remnants of the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque. Open to the public, the site remains a source of national pride and is featured on Albanian banknotes, reflecting its enduring legacy in the country's heritage.

![Photo of Krujë Fortress](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Kalaja_e_Krujes_8.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_of_Krujë (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)