Sights · 37 of the best in Tirana
Petrelë Castle
20 km from the centre
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Reinald.Maloku · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Petrelë Castle
Petrelë Castle crowns a rocky hill 329 metres above the Erzen valley, about 12 kilometres south-east of Tirana. First built in the 6th century, it dates in its present form from the 15th, when it formed part of Krujë’s signalling system and was commanded by Mamica Kastrioti, Skanderbeg’s sister. Its tower and walls have been restored, and a restaurant sits inside. The view over olive groves and hills makes it a lovely short trip by taxi or car, about 35 minutes from the centre.
A castle on a rock
Petrelë Castle sits on a rocky hill 329 metres above sea level, about twelve kilometres south-east of Tirana, above the village of the same name. Its history goes back to the 6th century, when the Byzantine emperor Justinian I built a fortress here, but the present building dates from the 15th century. It is triangular, with two observation towers, and small enough to explore in half an hour.
Skanderbeg’s signal tower
Petrelë was part of the defence system of Krujë, Skanderbeg’s stronghold. The castles signalled to each other with fires, passing warnings across the hills. During Skanderbeg’s war against the Ottomans, it was commanded by his sister, Mamica Kastrioti.
Skanderbeg’s sister held this rock; today you can have lunch on it.
Lunch with a view
Today the wooden structure inside the walls is a restaurant, perched on the rock, serving Albanian dishes and grilled meats. From the terrace and the towers the views stretch over the Erzen valley, the olive groves and the mountains around Tirana.
Our advice: take a taxi or drive the 35 minutes along the Elbasan road, climb the towers first, then sit down for a long lunch; combine it with the Armed Forces Museum nearby.
Why it's on our list
- Hilltop castle
- Valley views
- Half-day trip
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Petrelë Castle before you go.
Plan your visit
- Where Petrelë, about 12 km south-east of Tirana
- Getting there Car or taxi, about 35 minutes
- Inside A restaurant with a view
- Combine with The Armed Forces Museum
What’s nearby
Distances from Petrelë Castle are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Postbllok – Checkpoint7.9 kmCycle 31 minCar or taxi 27 min
- The Pyramid of Tirana8.0 kmCycle 32 minCar or taxi 27 min
- Tirana Castle8.4 kmCycle 34 minCar or taxi 28 min
- Bunk’Art 28.5 kmCycle 34 minCar or taxi 29 min
- House of Leaves8.5 kmCycle 34 minCar or taxi 29 min
- Skanderbeg Square8.6 kmCycle 34 minCar or taxi 29 min
- Et’hem Bey Mosque8.6 kmCycle 34 minCar or taxi 29 min
- Clock Tower of Tirana8.6 kmCycle 35 minCar or taxi 29 min
- New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri)8.7 kmCycle 35 minCar or taxi 29 min
- National Historical Museum8.8 kmCycle 35 minCar or taxi 29 min
Getting around
- Tirana International Airport (TIA)21 kmCar or taxi 66 min