TOP 10 things to do in Shkoder

Shkodra is the city of humor and bicycles, that’s how the locals prefer to consider it. You will surely notice, in the hospitality and sweetness of the locals, their desire to explain to every visitor the history of this ancient city and full of history to learn. Shkodra is known for the castle of Rozafa, with a unique history that every Albanian, young or old, knows but has many other things to enjoy. Take notes and bon voyage!

Here are the top 10 things to do in Shkoder

Visit the Castle of Rozafa

It is known in history as “ROZAFA”. It is located at the southern entrance of the city, in a strategic position, surrounded by the rivers of Buna, Drini, and Kiri. The surrounding walls are about 2900 ft (880m) long. It is the largest castle in Albania and one of the largest in the Balkans, as a matter of fact. The name of the castle is associated with a legend of its building process, the tragic ending life of a woman named Rozafa, a symbol of endurance, sacrifice, and heroism of the people of Shkodra. From its walls, you can see the magnificent and picturesque views of Shkodra Lake. You can also visit the museum inside within the area.

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2. The Buna Bridge

The Buna Bridge has been the connection of the city of Shkodra with other parts of Albania. It is an Ottoman work built during the years 1499-1500. It has been built with wooden legs. In 1899 this bridge was rebuilt by the Ottoman governor in Shkodra at that time. On the occasion of the inauguration, a monument was set up at the edge of the front of the bridge. This pyramid-shaped stone is preserved in the City Museum.

3. The Bahcallek (Bahçallëk) Bridge

The Bahcallek (Bahçallëk) Bridge is a construction of the Ottoman invaders, however the exact time of its construction is not known. In the era of Ottoman occupation, the bridge was sold at an auction for a toll. This tax was practiced to cover the costs of repairs and reconstruction of the bridge in necessary cases. You couldn’t cross this bridge at night, except in an emergency. The system of the bridge was made after the departure of the Ottoman rule from Albania.

4. Clock Tower of the 19th century

The Clock Tower, known in history as the English Clock, belongs to the period of the medieval aristocracy. It is the only building that still exists from the period of the antiquity of Shkodra. The clock tower, together with the house next door, was built with the funds of the English lord Paget, who had the main goal of spreading the Protestant religion and establishing the Anglican basket in Albanians based in Shkodra. This tower today is used as a watchtower, because from its height you can see the whole city.

5. Shkodra Historical Museum

The archaeological fund contains about 500 objects, of which about 200, among the most selected, are exhibited; the rest is stored in the fund. Archaeological objects of this sector represent all historical periods, from the Neolithic (6000 years BC) to the late Middle Ages (16th century BC). In the museums’ chain of Albania, this is one of the richest. It is divided into 55 funds. The documentation has data for the entire Prefecture of Shkodra and beyond. The main part is in the original and written in Albanian, Italian, French, German, and Serbian. It has treasures of historical, economic, cultural, artistic, linguistic, educational, administrative, museum, social and memorial character. Albanian translations and publications made by the Museum after 1949 are also preserved there.

6. The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography

The art of photography in our country begins in Shkodra in the middle of the 19th century and is associated with the name of Pietro Marubi (1834 -1903), originally from Piacenza (Italy), who came as a political asylum seeker in Shkodra, where he settled permanently, establishing a photo studio “Marubi”, in the city center, the first of its kind in Albania. His work over forty years as a photographer has left important traces, with historical and artistic values. The “Marubi” photo library preserves, in addition to the negatives, the original registers, since 1918, where the names of the persons and groups are accurately recorded -the persons and the exact date of the photograph.

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7. Art Gallery

The Art Gallery, in its fund, includes the activity of various authors from Shkodra and Albanians who have left strong traces in the heritage of our nation. The Art Gallery preserves and exhibits 700 paintings, sculptures, graphics, and more.

8. Enjoy The Lake of Shkodra

The lake is the icing on the cake of this city. You can go by bike and ride it to enjoy its nature. 850 plant species and 600 animal species are known in Shkodra Lake. The lake itself represents a habitat of large size, quite interesting, unique, and very complex for the migration of these species. 54 species of fish are known in this lake. There are also mammals such as otters (Lutra lutra). Night bats are found in large numbers around the lake.

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9. Enjoy the carp casserole, the lake fish

This typical recipe of this city has its beginnings with the creation of the Shkodra bazaar. At that time, the cooks developed the processing of fish, especially carp, which was the specialty of the lake. It is now a special attraction to all the tourists, and it’s a must-try for visitors.

10. Ride a bike as per local tradition

The use of bicycles in Shkodra is widespread by citizens and a tradition inherited over the years. You can see the pedestrian area of the city, but also other streets every day of the week full of bicycles, so why not, join them and feel like a local!

TRAVELING TO SHKODRA

One of the best ways to get to Shkodra, mainly from abroad, is by air. The city of Shkodra is located only 50 miles (80 km) from Rinas International Airport (TIA), “Mother Teresa” and about 37 miles (60 km) from Podgorica International Airport in Montenegro.

Shkodra can also be reached by sea. The port of Durres is 76 miles (123 km) away, that of Vlora 144 miles (233 km) and that of Bar in Montenegro 37 miles (60 km).

There are several ways to get to Shkodra by car.

If you come from the north (Montenegro): Hani i Hotit – Shkoder 23 miles (38 km), Muriqan – Shkoder 10 miles(16 km)
If you come from Kosovo: Morine – Kukes – Milot – Lezhe – Shkoder 100 miles(160 km)
If you come from Dibra e Madhe: Bllate – Peshkopi – Burrel – Milot – Lezhe – Shkoder 129 miles (208 km)
If you come from Ohrid, Pogradec, Korca and Kapshtica: Qafe Thane – Librazhd – Elbasan – Tirana – Lezhe – Shkoder 169 miles (272 km)
If you come from Kakavija, Saranda, Gjirokastra and Vlora you must first arrive in Fier, then continue: Fier – Durres – Fushe-Kruje – Lezhe – Shkoder ( 98 (158 km) from Fier)

TOP 10 things to do in Shkoder

The city where everyone rides a bicycle