The Castle of Shkodra, or as it is known by the public, the Rozafa Castle, is built on a rocky hill at the entrance of the city and is surrounded by Drini and Buna rivers. Archaeological evidence shows that various forms of fortifications were built on the hill since the period of the Illyrians. Throughout history, the castle was dominated by Illyrians, Romans, Ottomans, Venetians, Montenegrins, and noble Albanian families. In their present form, fortifications have mostly a Venetian origin.

The castle was named after a famous legend which states that during the construction of the castle, the walls built in the day were inexplicably deprecated at night. It was the sacrifice of young mother called Rozafa, buried alive at the foundations, that allowed the castle to rise to the sky.

Today’s tourists can visit the ruins of the castle, St. Stephen’s Church turned into a mosque, the prison, the secret pathways, or recognize the history of Shkodra through the objects exhibited at the Museum of the Castle.