The final resting place of national hero Skanderbeg, the northern region of Lezha boasts 2,400 years of history which includes a castle dating back to the 4th century BC, and the ruins of the Shen Koll church where national hero Skanderbeg was buried in 1468
TIRANA, May 28 – After the Osum Canyons in Berat, the ancient town of Lezha was the next stop of the “Start your journey from your Albania” initiative promoting Albanian tourist destinations and cultural heritage at the launch of the 2013 summer season. The final resting place of national hero Skanderbeg, the northern region of Lezha boasts 2,400 years of history which includes a castle dating back to the 4th century BC, and the ruins of the Shen Koll church where national hero Skanderbeg was buried in 1468. The Skanderbeg Memorial was built in 1981 to commemorate Skanderbeg and the League of Lezha in 1444 when Albanian princes were united under Skenderbeg’s lead in the fight against the Ottoman rule. Lezha also boast the beautiful Shengjin beach and is home to one of Albania’s greatest Renaissance poets father Gjergj Fishta.
More than 25,000 people, a considerable number of whom foreigners visit the Skanderbeg Memorial and Lezha castle each year, according to the National Tourism Agency.
The Agency which has undertaken the “Start your Journey from your Albania” initiative singles out the Rana e Hedhun, the Mouth of River Drin and Vain Lagoon as tours which cannot be missed when visiting the Shengjin beach. “These are virgin places, untouched by human hand. People can get here not only by boat which is a wonderful journey that cannot be missed but also by land. We want to offer this beautiful scenery to convince and attract investors to be part of the development of this rare area which is not the only one in Albania,” said Brikena Arapaj, the director of the National Tourism Agency.
The Shengjin commune will officially launch its tourist season on June 10 when it inaugurates a lighted promenade with palm trees and benches along the beach. The promenade will be named Wilson after the US president who played a critical role in securing Albania’s sovereignty during the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. Under a decision of the Noli government, Shengjin used to be known as Wilson in honor of the US president from 1924 until 1939.
Lezha
Situated in northwestern Albania, Lezha was founded around 385 BC as a Greek colony by Dionysius I of Syracuse by the name of Lissos, an adaptation of the old Illyrian name of Lisi.
The geographical position of the city and its surroundings including the Shengjin Port dictated its importance as a commercial and political center of the region in the Illyrian-Albanian history.
Of special interest is the Medieval Castle, imposing on the hill above town. Current archaeological excavations around the castle and inside the Illyrian walls add new value to these monuments each year. The Franciscan Convent, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi himself in 1220 represents another point of interest in town that is both cultural and educational. The River Drin flows through town and runs into the sea, a mere 3 kilometers downstream. Lezha’s Mediterranean climate makes the region known for its agricultural products, especially vegetables. Certain products such as Kallmet wine, Lezha raki and the Zadrima turkey are all well known both nationally and abroad.
Close to the town, is the attractive coastal national park of Kuna and Vain, which has a surface area of 1800 ha. The park is well known in the Mediterranean for its rich flora and fauna. It is a good place to take a walk, enjoy the fresh air, watch many species of birds or engage in hunting or fishing.
Lezha, (ancient Lissus) is proud to trace its origins to the same period as the ancient Albanian cities of Durres, Apollonia, Shkodra, Berati, Butrinti. These cities together make up the cradle of the civilization of ancient Albania.
