Castle of Tirana Tirana

The Justinian Castle

Gentiana from Tirana

"The city's historical significance is represented by the castle walls, which date to the Byzantine era and are still standing today."

A must-see landmark for history and culture enthusiasts is the castle in Tirana, often referred to as the Justinian Fortress. The castle offers a look into the city's historical and architectural heritage and is within a 5-minute walk from the city center.

The city's historical significance is represented by the castle walls, which date to the Byzantine era and are still standing today. It presently serves as a well-liked destination for locals but also foreigners, having originally served as a crossing to the other side of Tirana. The castle itself might not be as opulent as some of the other European castles, but it is nevertheless a lovely building that sheds light on the city's colorful past.

I usually go there for the cafes, elegant restaurants, and gift shops inside the castle walls. There is a photo booth right outside the castle's walls, making it a popular place to take pictures.

I advise you to visit the castle during the day when the lighting is more favorable to appreciate its magnificence completely. This makes it possible to see the architecture of the castle and the surrounding area more clearly. You are free to go around and take in the surroundings at your own pace while taking in the atmosphere of the castle.

Art & culture

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Tirana Spotter Gentiana

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the things they keep close. For me, it’s my pen, my paper, and my passport. There’s something about the world – its beauty, its chaos – that compels me to capture it, whether through poetry, fleeting thoughts, or snapshots of moments that demand to be remembered. I find comfort in the act of writing, always carrying my journal, always searching for the next adventure to ink into existence. When paper isn’t at hand, well, there's always my phone, eagerly awaiting my next line, my next idea. A new place, a new food, a new perspective – it’s all fodde...

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Sep 30, 2025

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