Shkodra is one of the oldest and most important cities of Albania. It is located in the north-western part of the country and is very close to the border with Montenegro. The Lake of Shkodra is biggest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. Shkodra has a tremendous historical value. It is the home of great influential figures in the history of Albania like King Genti and Queen Teuta in the antiquity, or the martyr of democracy Azem Hajdari and the religious figure Sheikh Muhamad Nasirudin Al-Albani in the modern era.
In Shkodra you can visit the Castle of Razafa and the Museum of Rozafa, which is found inside the castle. The Castle is built on a rocky hill that overlooks the city and the lake. Right below the castle there is the Lead Mosque, which was built in 1773 in a typically Ottoman style. River Buna also flows below the castle, which gives you the impression that you are in the heart of Shkodra’s touristic life. In Buna river you can enjoy taking a boat trip or having lunch in one the restaurants located on its bank.
Shkodra is also home of other historical and cultural sites and it is a good starting point to visit the Albanian Alps.