Prezë Fortress

Preza Castle is the ruin of a medieval hilltop fortress sitting on a ridge between the plains of Tirana and Durres. Strategically it controlled the Durres-to-Kruja road and served as a relay in the optical signalling network linking Kruja with the coast. Most of what stands today dates from the 15th century, when the castle gained importance during Skanderbeg's revolt against the Ottomans. A square circuit of walls with corner towers survives, and a small courtyard now houses a restaurant. On clear days the view sweeps across the central Albanian plain to the Adriatic. Preza makes an easy short stop on the road between Tirana and the airport.