Rozafa Fortress

The remains of the limestone castle Rozafa Fortress sit on the hilltop overlooking Shkodër. Founded by the ancient Illyrians and rebuilt much later by the Venetians and then the Turks, the fortress takes its name from a woman who was allegedly walled into the ramparts as an offering to the gods so that the construction would stand. (Lonely Planet)

Venice Art Mask Factory

It was an unexpected delight to discover The Venice Art Mask factory in Shkoder. According to their website, they are the largest factory of handmade authentic Venetian and masquerade masks in the world with more than 2000 models and all the Venetian masks are carefully handcrafted according to a traditional method handed down from generation to generation. The owner told us they also have 4 stores in Venice and supply masks for the Carnival of Venice and other masquerade festivals around the world, and many of the Las Vegas shows. He told us he lived in Italy for many years and when he returned to Albania in 1997 he started creating the masks as a joke and it was just a hobby and it has grown from there.

When you order pancakes & omelettes for breakfast in Albania

On our last day in Shkodër, we decided to return to a lovely restaurant that is located on the Northern side of the lake. This side of the lake is much quieter as there is no main town located right on the shore and no road that follows the shoreline.

Bar Restorant “Syri i Sheganit” overlooks the lake and is right next to the Syri i Sheganit which is a large karstic spring that emerges from the cracks of limestone rocks through a karstic chimney with a depth of about 30 metres.

They only serve 2 dishes for breakfast – pancakes and omelettes so that is what we ordered and this is what we were served! Very different but very delicious.

The lake here is very peaceful and there is lots of birdlife, and breakfast overlooking the very peaceful lake and countryside was an amazing way to finish out time in Shkodër.

Farewell Shkodër

Shkodër has been a wonderful city to be based in and we have really loved being here. The roads and traffic are chaotic and at times slightly terrifying but the people here are very friendly, helpful and kind.