Rozafa Castle, or Kalaja e Rozafës, occupies a strategically dominant rocky promontory at the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers near Lake Shkodra in northern Albania. With roots tracing to the Illyrian era, the fortress bears witness to centuries of rule by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. The castle is legendary for its tragic folklore—the story of Rozafa, whose sacrifice was believed to prevent the fortress from collapsing. Its massive stone walls remain largely intact, offering panoramic views of Shkodra, the surrounding Albanian Alps, and the pristine lake. An onsite museum houses artifacts including a statue of Rozafa and fragments of a rare northern Albanian mosaic.
