Lazhë Fortress

Lažhe is located on the main road connecting Tirana with Shkodër in the north. It is situated on a high hill, atop which an ancient citadel with Cyclopean walls was built. In the past, the Drin River flowed into the sea not far from here, making it one of the main settlements of the Illyrians, who used to anchor their warships (halmbus) at river mouths. A settlement was established here as early as the 8th century BC, and it became a Greek colony in the 4th century BC.

Lažhe’s main importance to Albanians is that it is the birthplace and burial place of Skanderbeg, the legendary Albanian hero of the 15th century. He was kidnapped as a child by the Ottomans and raised at the Sultan’s court as one of the Janissary soldiers, but in his heart, he remained loyal to his homeland. When he grew up and became a prominent military commander, he returned to Albania, embraced his Christian faith once more, and raised the banner of rebellion.

In Lažhe, all the Albanian tribal leaders gathered for the first time and swore allegiance to Skanderbeg, raising the banner of rebellion and forming the “League of Lažhe.” While all of Europe trembled in fear of the Ottomans, Skanderbeg and his 20,000 soldiers stood firm against an Ottoman army many times their size. When he died, he was buried in his hometown of Lažhe. Beneath the hill, next to the main road between Tirana and Shkodër, an impressive monument was erected during the communist era above the tomb structure itself.