When we first arrived in Shkoder and were doing our explorations in the spring, we talked about going to the castle. However, it would be a rather long walk. The weather was starting to heat up, so I decided that we would hold off on going to the castle until the fall.
Well, autumn is here. On the day that we ended up going, the weather couldn't have been better for the one hour walk there and then exploring the castle grounds. It was a gift from God.
TO SEE THE FULL PICTURE ON THE MOBILE VERSION YOU HAVE TO SLIDE YOUR FINGER TO THE LEFT ON ALL THE PHOTOS.
It is set way up high, 430 ft. above sea level, at the top of a very steep and rocky hill. The next picture is not mine, but one that I found online.
The oldest detected castle wall was built around 300 or 400 B.C.!!! So, the castle had its beginnings at least 2,300 years ago!!
My favorite part of going to the castle was the opportunity to experience some incredible views with my family. Although we live pretty close to it, most of my days are spent in the house doing typical tasks, or on the flat city roads. It was amazing to get a different perspective of our surroundings.
Thinking about that makes me think about Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Let me preface this with saying that the pictures truly don't do it justice.
Off in the distance, you can see mountains and the south end of Shkodra Lake, the largest lake in eastern Europe.
The castle is at the southern entrance to Shkoder. This emerald green river is one of two that runs around the city.
The view of the patchwork countryside was so picturesque.
Even though my two oldest sons had just been there a few weeks earlier, my husband wisely thought that it would be best if they went with us to help with the younger children. It was a very good idea. There were many parts that had openings and then great drop offs. The windows in the wall shown below, were perhaps some of the most dangerous.
The openings were on ground level and about 5 or 6 feet high.
We spent hours there, looking out the many different windows, small openings, and look-outs all around the different areas of the castle.
There were a couple of different tunnels and many beautiful archways.
This one below was my favorite, partly because of the two purple flowers growing out of the entrance, on the right.
Inside this building, there is a museum as well as a restaurant.
Taking in the countryside before we headed out.
After being there for a few hours, we headed home. I had the new experience to have to pay (about $.50 per person) to use toilets just outside the castle grounds.
Along with a typical toilet, they had this "squatter!" That is something that I hadn't seen before, but my husband had told me is common for Albanian public restrooms. It flushes!
We took a scenic and hilly route where we were able to see more views of the countryside a little closer.
As I said, it's definitely far better in person! You'll have to come see it for yourself! Tickets to Albania are pretty cheap during the fall and winter through http://kiwi.com/!;)
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