Balkan Tour: Meet the Legend of Rozafa Castle

Table of Content:

• Introduction
• Rozafa Castle as a Witness of Time
• The Legend of Rozafa’s Sacrifice
• Nature and Beauty of Shkodër City
• Conclusion

Introduction

Rozafa Castle will reveal to you the legend of the sacrifice. During this Balkan Tour, not only will you visit many natural beauties of the region, but you will also hear about the different legends that accompany this area. One of the famous legends is the legend of Rozafa Castle.

The historically significant and centuries-old fortress attracts a large number of tourists, newlyweds, and young women who want to become mothers. A visit to this fortress in Albania will teach you about the legend of the mother’s sacrifice.

Go with us on the Balkan Tour and learn the story of a great mother’s love. Get to know the beauties of Albania, Montenegro, and the rest of the Balkans!

Rozafa Castle as a Witness of Time

Rozafa Castle is historically significant for Albania and the Shkodër city area. Historians say that the fortress was built in the 3rd century. Its position is very interesting, surrounded by the Drin and Buna rivers. Those who built this durable and large fortress chose this place to make the approach to Rozafa difficult for enemies.

Who were the first builders of the Rozafa Castle? Due to the long history of this fortress, it is not possible to say exactly who the builders were. Scholars believe that the builders were Illyrians, who dominated this area until the arrival of the Roman Empire.

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Much material evidence confirms that different civilizations from various historical periods conquered this fortress. Each civilization left its mark and rebuilt it according to its wishes.

Rozafa Castle As a Defense Against Attack

After the Illyrians, the Roman Empire took control of Rozafa Castle, integrating it into their military infrastructure. Subsequently, with the arrival of the Ottomans in the 15th century, Rozafa underwent further transformations to accommodate the changing needs of civilization.

They strengthened and rebuilt the fortress to establish their authority over this region. Over the centuries, the fortress served as a strategic military point, a prison, and a symbol of power and control.

However, after the Ottoman Empire, the fortress suffered neglect and decay. Only in modern times did a new restoration take place. Rozafa Castle today serves as a tourist site that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Inside the fortress today, you can find the material legacies of all the civilizations that were here. Also, this Balkan tour will give you a perfect view of the natural beauty of Albania.

The Legend of Rozafa’s Sacrifice

The Victim of Rozafa’s Mother

This castle carries with it a very famous and interesting legend that attracts many tourists to visit Rozafa Castle. The fortress represents the place of the mother’s sacrifice, and the story originates from the Illyrian tribes.

The story begins at the time of the creation of the Rozafa Castle when three brothers decided to build a city on top of the hill to have the best view of what is happening around them. The brothers successfully built the walls, but they crumbled every night.

The brothers were powerless and did not know why this was happening. They decided to consult a wise man, who advised them to bury alive one of their women who brings them food first, and the fortress would be successfully built.

Upon returning home, the two older brothers recounted the story to their wives in detail; however, the youngest brother remained silent. Consequently, when his wife brought the food, she discovered the impending situation. Her only condition was that she expose the right side of her body, ensuring she could always feed her little child and he could always see her.

Nature and Beauty of Shkodër City

Rozafa Fortress is not the only interesting attraction in Shkodër city. Shkodër is known for its natural beauty and rich history. One of the largest lakes in the Balkans, Lake Shkodër, lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro. A large number of different species of birds can be found on this lake, delighting all nature lovers.

With our Balkan Tour, we will visit Shkodër city and its beauties. Traveling with Balkland during this Balkan Tour, you will learn many historical facts about this city. People have inhabited Shkodër since ancient times, and various civilizations have influenced it over the centuries, leaving their mark on the architecture, culture, and way of life of the inhabitants.

Conclusion

Are you intrigued by this legend of Rozafa Castle? During the Balkan Tour, you will hear more interesting legends that have been passed down through the Balkans. Explore this fortress and become familiar with its impressive architectural structure, which captivates tourists with its imposing walls, towers, and panoramic views of the surroundings, including the Bojana River and Lake Shkodër.

Our Balkan Tour will also take you to Shkodër National Park in Montenegro to show you all its natural beauty. Don’t miss this great opportunity to feel the history of Shkodër and Castle Rozafa and join us on our Balkan Tour!

12-Day Balkan Discovery – From North Macedonia to Croatia

Discover the Ultimate Balkan Journey. Explore UNESCO gems in Ohrid, medieval wonders in Kotor bay, and the beauty of Plitvice Lakes, and more.