Holiday apartment in Lezhë: Ancient traces and Kune-Vain

On the hill at the western edge of Lezhë, traces of 5th-century walls, fortification walls and the acropolis of ancient Lissus have been preserved. Lezhë Castle has Illyrian origins and was rebuilt and fortified during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Within the castle, visitors can explore historical ruins. From there, panoramic views extend across the Zadrima plain, the Drin and the city of Lezhë. The Archaeological Museum of Lezhë was also built and officially opened at the castle.

Culture

In the Skënderbeg district on the Drin stands the Mlikaj House, a two-storey urban vernacular residence from the 19th century. Its walls, roof, windows and doors possess architectural value. The Old City Bridge of Lezhë is the oldest bridge built across the Drin and is of historical and artistic value to visitors.

The Skanderbeg Memorial stands at the site where the Assembly of Lezhë took place on 2 March 1444 and the League of Lezhë was founded. It was built on the ruins of the Church of Saint Nicholas, where Skanderbeg was buried after his death on 17 January 1468. The memorial contains 25 bronze shields representing Skanderbeg’s 25 most important battles.

In the historic centre of Lezhë, near the site of the assembly of the League of Lezhë, stands the statue of Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg. The bronze statue is 3.7 metres high and depicts him at the age of 39, when he convened and organised the assembly of the League of Lezhë. It is a historical and cultural landmark of Lezhë and is significant to both local and foreign visitors.

The Ethnographic Museum of Lezhë preserves and presents the tangible and intangible heritage of the Lezhë region. Its collection includes 843 original objects, including folk costumes, household equipment, tools, musical instruments and handmade weapons. Around 315 objects are on public display; the permanent exhibition represents Malësia e Madhe, Mirdita and Zadrima.

The nearby Church of Saint Euphemia in Kallmet was also first mentioned in 1343. In Fishtë, Kallmet and the surrounding area, the family production of rakija is an old tradition preserved from generation to generation. Rakija is produced by traditional methods: the fruit ferments naturally and is then distilled in traditional copper stills. Oazi Fishtë Restaurant is located in Fishtë in the Municipality of Lezhë and offers traditional Albanian cuisine with meat, fish and village dishes, as well as international specialities in a natural setting.

Nature

The nearby Kune-Vain Lagoon is located about 8 km from Lezhë and is Albania’s first protected area. The nearby InfoKulla–Kune-Vain is a visitor information centre at the entrance to the Kune-Vain protected area and provides maps and information about nature trails.

The nearby Kune-Vain Lagoon offers day trips featuring environmental education and wildlife exploration. In the nearby Kune-Vain Lagoon area, visitors can explore the surroundings by bicycle. The landscapes of Lezhë and its surroundings also offer opportunities for walking and hiking.

Further location pages lead to Shëngjin, Rubik.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lezha County.