Drisht Castle - Kalaja e Drishtit

Drisht Castle - Kalaja e Drishtit, Drisht, Shkoder County, Republic of Albania.

   Originally established in the Illyrian or Roman period as a settlement to protect the Kosovo trade route. Became a Byzantine fortress in the 10th century, rebuilt during the 12th century.

   It was strengthened as a fortification by the Serbian Principality of Zeta in the 14th century. Current walls and towers date back to the Venetian era (1396–1478). The Castle fell to the Ottomans after the siege of Shkodra in 1478. The castle is located on an 800-meter-high rocky hill with natural protection from the Kiri River on the north and west. Features include castle walls, towers, a small mosque, and an Ottoman-era house. Within the castle walls, there were eleven houses forming a neighborhood. There is also an ancient church, a small garden, and panoramic views of Shkodra Valley, Lake Shkodra, and the Albanian Alps. A tiny museum inside showcases historical artifacts from the castle.

Source: https://www.iett.al/drisht-castle/?lang=en