Shkoder, dear Shkoder, a city with a strong character.
It is a city of culture, beauty, and pleasure.
It is a city of arts and crafts; a city of the trade from ancient times.
Placed here from 2400 years, from Illyrians to nowadays Albanians it’s a city with deep routs and old traditions. As soon as you reach this city, you can feel the vibe.
The choice of the attractions to visit in Shkodra is large, and it will be impossible to see everything within a day.
But here we give a few of the best attractions which are ‘a must to see’ in order of the importance.
Rozafa Castle
Being in Shkodra for a few hours or a full day, you can not miss visiting Rozafa Castle. Not only because of the history of the castle, with proofs and influences from Illyrians to Venetians and Turks, but because of the unique and amazing views.
Rozafa castle stands in the entrance of the city in a strategic position between rivers Drin and Buna, which is a branch coming out from Shkoder lake, and the city on the north side.
Enjoy here the view and take some photos; hear the legend of Rozafa and get down to explore the city.
Venice Art Masks
This art-production is our city proud. You will be surprised to learn that the biggest supplier of the Venice market about the Carnaval masks is an Albanian entrepreneur.
Meet Edmond and hear his story which started in Italy 15 years ago and that is one of the fewest artisans who is preserving the tradition of the hand-made Venice Art Mask.
You can visit here a big and amazing show-room, even the Venice mask used by Tom Cruise on the film. Visit the artisan lab and the women doing all the processes by hand. If you want, you can even buy a souvenir or even a mask.
Marubi National Museum of Photography
Once back in the city center, you have to enjoy a walk in the promenade and maybe a coffee break in one of a lot of Bars placed there. You will understand more from the local customs. If you are lucky, you will catch an open local artisan fair in the promenade with all artisans handicrafts from this area.
Marubi Photography is placed right in the middle of this promenade. It looks like a contemporary art gallery, but the content of it will make you understand how reach is this city on culture and tradition.
During your visit here you will learn about the Marubi dynasty.
Pietro Marubi was an Italian architect, painter, sculptor, traveling through Albanian which got in love with this city and decided to get established in this city, where he used to open his first photography studio in 1856.
His work was followed by his first assistant Kel Kodheli and his son (Gege) which in honor of their Master took his surname ‘Marubi’. All of them contributed to the causes of that period, regarding politic, freedom, schools, architecture and for sure to take on photography various moments of city important events and portraits of people from that period.
Practically, here you will learn how people use to leave and to dress; which was their social and economic context, and so on.
Historical Museum of Shkodra
From the promenade, in a 5 minutes walk, passing close to Migjeni Theater, you will reach the Historical Museum of Shkodra, placed in a traditional Shkodra house with all its architecture specifics.
The Museum has three sections:
- the ethnographic fund
- the archaeological fund
- the visual arts fund, and the library.
Each sector is a nice and interesting corner to explore. Otherwise, this is known as Oso Kuka house, a local hero, also the same place and house of birth for the last president of the Communism regime Ramiz Alia.
Take a meal on Shkoder Lake
How better to close the day than with a lunch in one of the restaurants on Skadar lake, with the city and the castle view in front of you.
You can taste one of the characteristics dishes of Shkodra, Carp fish in the oven. Some local music, good food, and panoramic views close to the lake.
These are some of the best attractions to see in a day tour from Tirana or any other city.
For sure there still a lot of other things to do around the city and depending on your choice and specific interests. You can feel free to combine differently adding or substituting with any other attraction.
