Kruja, Albania

27-Dec-2025 • Kruja Albania

For our fourth full day in Albania, it was Kruja for us. It was just like Durres. It was close enough to Tirana that a day trip was very easy to do. In fact, it was really just an hour away by bus. To get there, we once again made our way to the North and South Bus Station. I remember needing to use the restroom before going on the bus ride. We went to the cafe/restaurant right across the street to relieve myself. A minute later, as I was leaving the toilet, everyone in the cafe was staring at me, each and everyone of the customers inside. I was smiled from ear to ear but I was so embarrassed. I quickly made my way out.

Just like the day prior, we boarded a Kruja minivan. And just like the day before, we again had to wait until our ride was full enough that the journey was going to be profitable for the driver and bus owner. We waited a total of 20 minutes before leaving the station. We left at approximately 9 am. The driver likewise picked passengers up along the way. We arrived in Kruja at 10 am.

Once in the town center, we passed by the Old Bazaar which was a feast for the eyes. . The rugs for instance took my breath away. They were so, so beautiful. The rugs' prices started from 5 euros and up. The bigger the rug, the more expensive it was. By day's end, I bought two rugs at 10 euros each. From the outdoor market, we made our way to the Kruja Castle, also known as Skanderbeg's Castle.

Entry was not free and every visitor had to pay 600 Lek or 6 euros. Once paid, we set out to tour the castle which was several floors high. From there, we visited the Ethnographic Museum next door. Both museums were nice although the latter was my favorite.

There were lots of tourists in Kruja when we arrived. Fortunately for us, the museums we visited were never so full to the point that it was suffocating inside. All on the contrary. We had a very relaxed visit. In fact, we must have been the only ones who visited the Ethnographic museum after going to the Kruja Castle.

At the Old Bazaar! I want to go back!

At the Old Bazaar! Oh those beautiful rugs!

The Old Bazaar was such an exciting place to visit. For someone who loves to shop, I was really in hog heaven here. Like I mentioned before, I wish I was allowed more than one suitcase each and every time we traveled by plane within Europe. I, in fact, intentionally left some clothes behind to make room for the area rugs I purchased throughout our stay.

There were lots of tourists at the time of our visit. They mostly belonged to group tours who proceeded straight away to Kruja Castle upon arrival in town.

There were countless handicrafts with the Albanian eagle design on them.

At the Old Bazaar

What can I say? I would have loved to take all these rugs home!

Another stall selling more handicrafts and souvenirs at the Old Bazaar

Here it is, the Kruja Castle also known as the Skanderbeg Castle. Admission, 600 Lek or 6 euros. Not bad if you ask me. Back home in San Francisco, museum admission prices start at $25 per person.

This vignette greeted all visitors to the Kruja Castle or Skanderbeg Castle.

Every thing inside the Kruja Castle was about Skanderbeg or about the history of Albania.

At one of the galleries inside the Kruja Castle

It is said that the Kruja Castle consists of several museums. They all looked all interconnected to me and hard to differentiate where one began and ended.