Pranvera

On a rocky hill in the southeast of the Tirana plain, near the Erzen river, there is the Petrela castle. Located at an important point where the roads from the north pass from Shkodra to Krujë and in the field-Tirana and the other from Durrës, it had an important position in history.

Archaeologists date it to the III-IV century BC based on the ceramics of the Roman period. Petrela served as the residence of Mamice, Skanderbeg’s sister. The Petrela Castle, from the discoveries made, is the mediaeval castle built during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, in the 6th century AD.This was one of the forts erected by him in the defence system of the Empire. It is a fort erected on a terrain with very steep slopes, even steep on the south and southeast sides, which have made the fort very protected. It was built at the moment when Vila Castle, the ancient castle, which is located in front of Petrela Castle, lost its importance. It was built mainly for military purposes.

I invite you to visit it as I am convinced that you will be very surprised when you hear about its history, its beauties, the beautiful panorama it offers and undoubtedly the hospitality and generosity of the people of this area.

Petrela is regarded as one of the most attractive municipalities in the district of Tirana. In the village of Petrelë there is this castle that serves as a tourist complex with recreational facilities and services. The whole castle offers art historical facts. In Petrelë there are the ruins of two churches: Qafa e Kišë and Kodra e Beu, as well as some cult objects such as: the village mosque, the Tyrbja of Ballaban Pasha, Sofi Pasha, Baba Sako.

House constructions, folk costumes and their decorations are also characteristic. Petrela is one of the places where the tradition is centuries old, which is evidenced not only by the castle, but also by the hundred-year-old houses.

Petrela Castle is one of the most attractive places in Albania and a testament to its rich history and culture. Visit this historic and natural wonder, and you will be stunned by its beauty.