Shkodër: The Complete Guide

Shkodër is one of the Balkan’s most ancient cities and the country’s fourth most populous city, exerting strong influence in northern Albania’s history, religion, arts and entertainment.

Shkodër stretches across the plain of Mbishkodra between the Shkodër Lake and the Albanian Alps foothills. Shkodër is dominated to the south by the citadel of Rozafat, past which the Kiri River flows into the Buenë.

Although Shkodër is a sprawling town, it should be possible to walk around the historic center quite easily.

Visiting Shkodër for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Shkodër on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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History of Shkodër

The region that today corresponds to the city territory was founded in the 4th century BC by the ancient Illyrian tribes of the Ardiaei and Labeates.
Livy, the Roman historian cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gentius, who surrendered to the Roman force of Anicius Gallus in 168 BCE.
In the 3rd century AD during the rule of the Roman emperor Diocletian, Shkodër became the capital of the province of Praevalitana.

The town fought over by the Byzantines, Bulgars, Serbs, and Turks, Illyrians (again), and a Serbian family (who sold it to Venice). It was a stronghold of the Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg, in the 15th century.

The Ottomans took back control in 1831 and made it the regional capital again.

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