Lezhë is a small city located in the northwest region of Albania, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Shkoder Lake. Despite its small size, Lezhë offers a rich cultural and historical experience, with a blend of Ottoman and European influences. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Lezhë:
1. Lezhë Castle
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lezha_Castle_-_1995_August.jpg
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Lezhë is the Lezhë Castle. This ancient fortress dates back to the 4th century and was the site of the famous Battle of Lezhë in 1444. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Shurdhah Island
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shurdhah
Located in the Adriatic Sea, just off the coast of Lezhë, the Shurdhah Island is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. The island is home to a small fishing village and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island and spend the day exploring its natural beauty.
3. St. Nicholas Church
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Nicholas,_Lezh%C3%AB
Located in the village of Kallmet, just a short drive from Lezhë, the St. Nicholas Church is a beautiful Orthodox church that dates back to the 17th century. The church is renowned for its stunning frescoes and beautiful architecture.
4. Ishull Lezhë
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishull_Lezh%C3%AB
Ishull Lezhë, also known as Lezhë Island, is a small island located off the coast of the city of Lezhë in northern Albania. It is part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning views.
5. Orthodox Church
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The Orthodox Church in Lezha is one of the city’s most important landmarks. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and travelers, and is one of the oldest churches in Albania.
6. Castle of Kruja
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Kruj%C3%AB
The castle is situated on a rocky hilltop overlooking the surrounding area, and it played a crucial role in the defense of the region against Ottoman invasions in the 15th century. In 1443, the castle was the site of a major battle between the Albanian forces led by Skanderbeg and the Ottoman army. Skanderbeg emerged victorious, and the castle remained in Albanian hands for the next 25 years.
7. Rozafa Castle
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rozafa_Castle
The castle has a rich and tumultuous history, having been occupied and controlled by various empires and kingdoms throughout the centuries, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians. It was an important strategic location due to its position on the Drin River and its proximity to the Adriatic Sea.
8. Skenderbeg Tomb
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The Skanderbeg Tomb is located in the city of Lezhë, Albania, and is the final resting place of the national hero and Albanian nobleman, George Castriot Skanderbeg. Skanderbeg is known for his resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and his role in defending the Albanian people.
9. Mesi Bridge
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesi_Bridge
The Mesi Bridge is a historic bridge located in the city of Lezhë, Albania. It is one of the oldest Ottoman-era bridges in the country and is believed to have been built in the late 18th century or early 19th century.
10. Komani Lake
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Komani Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in the northern part of Albania, near the city of Shkoder. It was formed in the 1970s as a result of the construction of a dam on the Drin River, and it covers an area of about 180 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by towering cliffs and mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists who are looking for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and swimming
11. Shkoder Historical Museum
The Shkodër Historical Museum, also known as the Marubi National Museum of Photography, is located in the city of Shkodër. It is one of the most important cultural institutions in Albania, housing a collection of over 500,000 photographs dating back to the 19th century. The museum also features exhibits on the history and culture of the Shkodër region, including artifacts from the Illyrian, Roman, and Ottoman periods.
12. Marubi National Museum of Photography
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marubi_National_Museum_of_Photography
The Marubi National Museum of Photography is a museum located in the city of Shkodra, Albania, The museum is dedicated to the history of photography in Albania and houses the largest collection of photographs in the country.
13. Rana e Hedhun
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Rana e Hedhun is a beach located in the municipality of Lezhë, in northwestern Albania. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy beach and clear blue waters. The beach is situated on the Adriatic Sea, about 15 kilometers northwest of the city of Lezhë. It is surrounded by a pine forest and offers stunning views of the sea and nearby mountains.
14. St Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral is located in the city of Lezhë, in northwestern Albania. It is the largest Catholic church in the country and serves as the seat of the Diocese of Lezhë. The cathedral was built in the early 20th century, between 1906 and 1913, in a neo-Renaissance style. It was designed by the Italian architect Gino Coppedè, who was also responsible for the design of several other buildings in Lezhë and other cities in Albania.
15. Site of Witness and Memory
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The Site of Witness and Memory in Lezhë, also known as the Memorial Museum of the Communist Terror, is a museum dedicated to the victims of the communist regime in Albania. The museum is located in the city center, just a few blocks away from the main square.
16. Rruga Kole Idromeno Street
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Rruga Kole Idromeno is a street located in the city of Lezhë, which is the capital of the Lezhë District in northwestern Albania. The street is named after Kole Idromeno, a prominent Albanian painter from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
17. Bojana River
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bojana_(river)
The Bojana River forms part of the border between Montenegro and Albania, and in its lower reaches, it flows through the city of Shkodra in Albania, which is about 40 kilometers southeast of Lezhë. The river is an important source of water for both countries, and it is also a popular destination for tourists interested in water sports and outdoor activities.
18. St. Anthony Church
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Anthony_Church,_Durr%C3%ABs
St. Anthony Church is a Catholic church located in the Durrës county, which is on the western coast of Albania. The church is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar who was known for his teachings and miracles.
Lezhë is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers a range of activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the region’s rich history and culture or enjoying its natural beauty, there’s something for everyone in Lezhë.
Places and Things To Do
