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Rozafa Castle

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Rozafa castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Rozafës) is a castle near the city of Shkodër, in northwestern Albania. It rises imposingly on a rocky hill, 130 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Buna and Drin rivers. 

Due to its strategic location, the hill has been settled since antiquity. It was an Illyrian stronghold until it was captured by the Romans in 167 BC. The 19th-century German author and explorer Johann Georg von Hahn suggested that the ancient and medieval city of Shkodër was located immediately south of the Rozafa hill, between the hill and the confluence of Buna and Drin. The fortifications, as they have been preserved to date, are mostly of Venetian origin. The castle has been the site of several famous sieges, including the siege of Shkodra by the Ottomans in 1478 and the siege of Shkodra by the Montenegrins in 1912. The castle and its surroundings form an Archaeological Park of Albania.

People viewing a scenic landscape with a river, green fields, mountains, and a cloudy sky, seen from a hilltop with cobblestone path and lamps.
Ancient pottery and artifacts displayed in a museum glass case with sandy base.
A historic stone fortress with a flag on top, situated on a hillside with green trees and shrubs, under a blue sky with some clouds.
Scenic view of a river running through a valley with mountains in the background, a bridge crossing the river, and a partly cloudy sky.
Old stone castle with stairs and lush grass in front, blue sky with clouds above.
Interior of a historical museum with display swords and spears on the left wall, a red carpet running through the center, and visitors viewing exhibits.
Ancient stone ruins with large arches and a group of people walking nearby under a bright blue sky.
Wooden plaque featuring an illustration of a castle, an eagle, and a historical figure with a crown and beard. The plaque has text in Albanian referencing Skenderbeu, a national hero, with the word "Albania" and the logo "wander" in the top right corner.