Kruja and its surprising history and tradition

On our first day in Albania, we got behind the wheel and took off to the small town of Kruja. Kruja is about one hour by car from the capital Tirana. It’s the perfect starting point for a trip to Albania because it is a symbol of Albania’s resilience and strength throughout history, and it is a great place to learn about Albanian history, culture, and craftsmanship.

Kruja Castle

Kruja Castle is a must-see sight in Kruja and is a symbol of Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire. It was the base of Skanderbeg, who united Albanian regions and became a symbol of European defiance. Today, the castle hosts the Skanderbeg Museum and serves as a reminder of Skanderbeg’s legacy and Albania’s rich history.

The old market: Kruja Bazaar

The bazaar in Kruja is filled with colorful local crafts, including traditional Albanian clothing, carpets, jewelry, and pottery. The bazaar is a great place to learn about Albanian culture and craftsmanship.

That’s where we also first encountered the locals. Albanians in general are known for their hospitality and welcoming spirit. They are proud of their country and its history, and they are happy to share their knowledge with visitors. After admiring some carpets and wooden art, we got the best recommendations for our first Albanian lunch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isabel Alexander | travel and culture stories (@isitoexplores)

Taverna E Vjeter

I immediately loved the traditional food. If you like Eastern European cuisine, you’ll probably appreciate Albanian traditional dishes. First, we had a warming homemade vegetable soup. Second, we shared two delicious oven dishes, casserole with tender pieces of lamb (tavë furre me copa mishi) and eggplant baked with toatoes and goat cheese (patellxhanë të pjekur në furrë me domate dhe djathë dhie).

An impressive and flavourful start in Albania

Our day trip to Kruja gave us an impressive introduction to our Albanian discovery tour. We witnessed a beautiful mountain range behind the traditional small town of Kruja, full of history and flavourful food offers. The drive form Tirana to Kruja was easy, although it’s probably better to avoid rush hours in the capital. Nevertheless, I couldn’t wait to explore more of this Balkan country!

Posted By: Isi · In: Albania, Europe