Short history
Located in north central Albania between Kruja Mountain and the Ishà«m River, the city of Kruja is about 20 km away from Tirana. Its municipality, which was formed in 2015, includes Bubq, Cudhi, Fushà«-Krujà«, Nikà«l and Kodà«r- Thumanà«. With a total population of around 60,000 Kruja is often chosen as a getaway destination during the weekends.
Formerly known as Kroai (in Greek), Croia, Croya, Croarum (in Medieval Latin), and Ak Hisar or Akà§ahisar (in Turkish), the name of Kruja is related to ‘kroi’, an Albanian word which means ‘the fountain” . Two of the closest Albanian cities from Kruja are Tirana and Durres.
How to go there?
As Kruja is located very near the capital, there are plenty of ways to go there, such as buses, mini-buses, taxis, etc. If you have your own car, even better! You will have the chance to stop whenever you want along the way and take pictures of interesting views you witness.
Where to eat/ drink?
Among the best places to eat and/ or drink in Kruja are the Bar Restaurant Panorama which is located near the castle and offers great views of the city; Restaurant Kalaja which also offers great food and great view; Restaurant Bardhi, which is the best reviewed on tripadvisor. com; Restaurant Brazili; Bar Restaurant Belvedere, etc.
Where to stay?
Besides being one of the best places to eat in Kruja, Panorama Hotel is also among the top places to stay. Other places that are most recommended by tourists are Hotel Kruja, Best Western Premier Ark Hotel, Prestige Hotel, Hotel Stela City Center, etc.
What to see?
There are plenty of things to see and visit in Kruja. Here are the top sights you should not miss:
1- KRUJA CASTLE
Located in the highest point of Kruja city at an altitude of 557m, the castle offers one of the best views of the city. Once serving as a center of Skanderbeg’s battle against the Ottoman Turks, the castle is one of the most visited places in Albania.
2- NATIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
If you want to feel like making a trip to the past, then visiting the National Ethnographic Museum which was founded in 1989 is the right thing to do. The Museum is located in a 15 room villa that belonged to Toptani family which was built in 1764. If you go there you will have the chance to see various artisan objects that are believed to date from 60 to 500 years ago.
3- SKANDERBEG MUSEUM
Located inside the Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg Museum offers its visitors breathtaking mural paintings and sculptures by Albanian artists. Honoring Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the museum also includes a restored bazaar and several paintings, armor, and other valuable objects.
4- OLD BAZAAR
The Old Bazaar is another place you must visit if you want to take a piece of the place with you. Many souvenir and antique shops are located there so you will have plenty of choices. Moreover, you can buy other objects and clothing from traditional costume knittings and carpet workshops and witness how the costumes are made right in front of you.
5- OTHER INTERESTING OPTIONS
There are plenty of other interesting things to see in Kruja and since it’s a small town, you will be able to go from place to place by foot. Taking a walk to the pedestrian street which was recently opened, visiting the Bektashi Temple, and the Qafe Shtame National Park are highly recommended.
