Shkodra, a treasure of 2500 years of history
Rozafa castle is possibly the visited site in Shkoder. To really visit the castle you need someone to guide you through the ruins and explain to you what you see. 
Bringing alive the castle for your better understanding but also explaining to you the panoramic view.
Our guide will walk you through the history of Rozafa Castle and as you learn about the ancient times of the citadel, you will go back in time to the IV-V century BC where shadowed mythology merge with history to create the identity of the ancestors of the modern Albanians, the illyrian people. 
The Rozafa legend for sure is one of the most known tales of the castle. Then later one when this town became the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom under Gentius and the Roman-Illyrian wars.
You’ll be able to crawl down into the Castle’s musty depths and climb up to it’s highest points to experience some of the most spectacular views of the countryside around Shkoder.
There is no surprise that this location was chosen thousands of years ago to build a castle then a town. The strategic location gave Shkodra a chance to be an important player in the history of the balkan peninsula. We will talk about the fortifications built during the XV century then the siege of Shkoder by the Ottomans under Mehmed the Conqueror then later the fall in Ottoman hands after a very long and brutal siege.
How Shkodra found an important role as capital of a province during four centuries of Ottoman occupation and the marks that were left in Shkoder of that period.
We will also talk about the 18th century Lead Mosque (unique in style for mosques) commissioned by Mehmed Bushati, ruler of Shkoder which is paradoxically a symbol of centuries of Turkish and Islamic influence as well as a signpost of the more modern communist presence. The Lead Mosque was one of the few religious buildings to escape the destruction of the communist regime during the period in which they strictly enforced an atheist state.
This short yet jam-packed activity starts with transportation to Rozafa Castle from the center of Shkoder. The price includes transportation, entrance ticket, and a local guide. We will explore the castle together for about an hour and a half. If time allows we’ll move down the hill shortly to visit the Lead Mosque before returning to the city center. The tour is very much suitable for kids we had many kids join our tour every year.
Rozafa castle Itinerary
The starting time normally changes due to the sunset calculations. Generally the tour will start around 18:00 but could be 17:30 or 18:30. We will let you know in advance about the starting time.
- Depart from meeting point ( to be decided by email): 15 minutes to the Castle
- Explore the Castle: 2 hours
- Return to city center: 15 minutes
Total time for the activity is around 2 ½ hours. The tour will be offered by car or by bike depending on your request.
18 euro per person: Include
- Guiding
- Transportation by car
- Castle entrance ticket
Important
- Minimum 2 people required
- Book in advance
- The price is set as a private tour for a minimum of 2 peole
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
Book your castle tour!
Learn more about us and Albania by reading our blog page where you will find tips and suggestion about Albania.
10 Comments
bdadoc
Stunning views and history
“Once you’ve seen 15 castles/fortresses you’ve seen them all right? Nope! Our guide was super informative, funny and incredibly knowledgeable. Before you go (or right after) make sure you eat some REAL traditional Albanian food you can’t find in the restaurants. We had the tasting platter and returned the following day specifically for the food.”
Joaobeca
Great tours
“We made the free walking tour shkoder in the city and the Rozafa castle sunset tour. Both were great: friendly and well documented guides. We learned so many things not only about the city but also about Albania’s history! We definitely recommend both tours!”
Connie H
My husband and I went on a walking tour Shkoder as well as the Rozafa castle sunset tour and really enjoyed both! Erjon and his wife provided an excellent overview of the city and it’s history. My husband and I loved hearing about all the various decades of unrest and turnovers of power. We would highly recommend this tour company and the tours!!
Koen B
We did 3 tours with this company, the free walking tour shkoder, cycling around the lake, and Rozafa castle tour. We contacted them a few days in advance and they were very responsive and flexible to arrange our tours. All tours were great with some very knowledgeable guides and good information on Albanian history and culture. The same people also own a juice bar where it’s nice to sit down and order some fresh juice (difficult to get in Albania).
Ali N
I learned a lot about the city of Shkoder during this historical tour. The chronology of the history was really good. I will also recommend it to my friends.
Xander L
Personable and knowledgeable guide, with awesome sunset views. Really enjoyed it.
Hair raising cycle ride to the rozafa castle in the self proclaimed ´city of bikes´ (they should provide helmets and bike lights really!! nevertheless, the local drivers are respectful of cyclists it would seem). I would also have appreciated a little more time to appreciate the sunset, as much as I was interested in the history.
It would be hard not to give a 5* review for enthusiasm and knowledge alone. Recommended! :)
Sherly E
First of all Shkodra was one of the oldest and most historical cities I’ve ever visited, you can learn something genuinely interesting and new in every corner of this city. The tour guide was as kind funny and smart as she was beautiful. Always there to give every answer to every asked question so politely. Marked as no.1 best experience for me.
Mara
Amazing sunset tour
We had an amazing sunset tour in the castle. The views were breathtaking and the tourguide was a very lively and enthousiastic story teller. I would also recommend to have a drink at his juice bar.
Anthony B
Great
“I would definitely recommend this tour. . She gave us a lot of interesting information about Shkoder, you could ask her everything you want to know about this city and she could answer every question. Excellent tour!”
Francesco
“The tour to Rozafa Castle was excellent with plenty of historical details provided. Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. The idea of running the tour to the Castle around the sunset hours is great for both the climate (in summer a midday tour would mean being cooked by the sun) and the light (photos look great).”