Rozafa Castle (also known as Shkoder Castle) was an Ilyrian stronghold thanks to its location 130 meters above the surrounding countryside.

Within the ruins of the castle lies the 13th Century St. Stephen’s Church which was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era.

There is an old legend surrounding the castle that tells the story of Rozafa, the wife of a builder who was immured within the walls in a secret pact. There’s even a lifesize sculpture of Rozafa trapped with the walls at the castle museum.

The castle commands impressive views across the city of Shkoder and the lake of the same name.

Rozafa Castle is 3 miles from the city of Shkoder which was once the capital of Northern Albania and is well worth checking out.