The history of museums

The National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu”
The National Museum “Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu” is one of the most visited museums in Albania. Located inside the ruins of the old castle of Kruja, the museum was opened in 1982. Its building is designed as a fortress of a Medieval Albanian castle with a central focus on documenting the life and deeds of Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu, Albania’s national hero. The museum has impressed many visitors from many countries over the years. Talented Albanian artists and architects have worked to turn this museum into an amazing tourist attraction.

The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja
The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja offers a unique tour into the life-style manners and customs of the Albanian household during recent centuries. Its structure is one of a kind in the whole Balkans, drawing inspiration from both Albanian and Ottoman architectural styles. The construction date of the house can officially be placed in 1764 while it was repurposed as a museum in 1989. The three floors of the house-museum show different living aspects of a wealthy Albanian family during Ottoman rule. Visitors can learn about the traditional but efficient systems built to self-sustain the house as well as the organization based on social and gender status of the living quarters.

Opening hours

09.00 -18.00 (Monday - Sunday)

Events

09.00 -18.00 (Monday - Sunday)

Exhibition

09.00 -18.00 (Monday - Sunday)

About Museums

The National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu”
The National Museum “Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu” is named after Albania’s national hero who led a resistance against the Ottomans during 1443-1468. The center of this resistance was Kruja, a city that repelled three Ottoman sieges thanks to the splendid leadership of Gjergj Kastrioti. From Kruja’s castle remain now only parts from protective walls, a clock tower, ruins of a church and ruins of later Ottoman constructions. It’s within this archaeological complex where the National Museum is located, more than 500 metres above the sea level.

Discover the Muzeum

  • Antiquity
  • Middle Ages
  • Invasion
  • Unification
  • resistance
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About Museums

The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja
The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja (Muzeum Etnografik i Krujës) offers a tangible experience into the traditions and customs of the Albanian household throughout centuries. This attraction is classified as a cultural monument of the first category, widely valued for its raw Balkan-like character and unique rustic sensation. The house-museum has a total of 15 rooms, each with its distinct purpose, composition and socio-ethnographic meaning. Many visitors, domestic and foreign, visit this museum as part of their tour in the historic city of Kruja.

Zbulo Muzeun

  • First Floor
  • Second Floor
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Photos from the museums