Preza Castle

Preza Castle, in its current form, is of Ottoman construction, dating to the late 15th century. Based on the shape and style of the battlements, it is believed to have been fully completed during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent between 1528 and 1546 (16th century). In a later phase, a mosque was added to the castle’s inner urban complex, which is still functional and has been reconstructed. The castle has an irregular pentagonal plan, protected by four round towers at the corners and one square tower guarding the castle’s sole entrance gate. Another small rectangular tower outside the castle walls reinforced its western wall. The footprint of the castle measures 80 meters long and 50 meters wide. This castle was built as a fortress by the Ottoman Empire to control the Krujë area, a stronghold of uprisings. Gradually, it transformed into an inhabited urban area. Today, thanks to its architecture, geographic location, unique courtyard views, and local gastronomy, it has become an important tourist destination for the capital city.