Krujë, birthplace of Albania's hero

The Ottoman Empire controlled much of this region for hundreds of years, leaving a lasting cultural and religious influence. In the mid 1400s, Albanian leader Skanderbeg led a rebellion against the Empire. Skanderbeg successfully defended against three Ottoman sieges. Today he is remembered as a national hero, and the Albanian flag is similar to Skanderbeg's red flag standard with a black double-headed eagle.

The 400-year old Ottoman-style bazaar in Krujë offered a mix of traditional crafts and generic trinkets. We encountered a skilled wool artist making the traditional white wool fez hats as well as adaptations that serve as modern lighting fixtures.

We loved getting a taste of Albania's rich culture. The Krujë ethnographic museum shared examples of Albanian agricultural, artistic, religious, and other traditions. We were able to even digitally try on some traditional outfits!もっと詳しく