- Address: Shkoder, Albania
- Founded: 3rd century BC
- Founders: Illyrians
Traveling in Albania promises to be impressive and unforgettable, because in addition to the resort towns in the country there are enough sights , the age of which is several thousand years. Let's talk about one of them.
Some historical information about the fortress
Surrounded by the full-flowing rivers Drin and Boyan, the fortress of Rosafa stands proudly on a hill near the city of Shkoder . It is believed that the fortress was built by the tribes of the Illyrians in the III century BC. Like many of the structures of that time, the fortress of Rosafa was repeatedly besieged. To seize Rosafa tried the legions of the Romans, the troops of the Ottoman Empire, and at the beginning of the XX century the army of Montenegrins.
The fortress has stood in dashing years and has preserved its greatness to this day. Until now, the powerful walls of the structure, its unconquered bastions and a number of internal structures of the fortress remain intact. One of the fortification barracks is now a museum that stores a collection of coins and objects of the Illyrian tribes' everyday life, sculptures of heroes defending the fortress, paintings and much more. Annually, many local residents and tourists gather near the walls of Rosafa, wishing to take part in the festival of folk amusements. This holiday is accompanied by tournaments, hymns, exhibitions, demonstrating the achievements of folk art.
The legend connected with the construction of the fortress of Rosafa
Like many objects of antiquity, the fortress of Rosafa is wrapped in legends that explain what is misunderstood and inexplicable to humans. According to imparting strength to the walls of the fortress gave a brave and brave girl. The legend tells that three brothers were engaged in erecting the fortress. They were skillful and industrious builders, but all they managed to build in a day, inexplicably destroyed at night. The sage, having learned about the misfortune of the brothers, gave them advice, according to which they had to wall in the walls of the fortress a living girl who would first come to the architect early in the morning. In fulfilling this demand, the elder promised the brothers that the fortress would be strong and would last for more than one hundred years.
By the will of fate, Rosafa, the wife of the youngest of the brothers, was the victim. She humbly accepted the will of her husband and his brothers, only asked to immobilize her so that she could breast-feed her young son. After the sacrifice, the brothers managed to complete the fortress, which was named after the ruined Rosafa. Surprisingly, the stones at the foot of the fortress always cover the moisture, as if the milk of Rosafa continues to flow along the walls of the building ...
This legend gave an unprecedented popularity of the fortress, every year many future mothers and nursing women come here who praise the motherly feat of young Rosafa. Frequent guests of the fortress are the brothers.
Useful information for tourists
You can reach the fortress in various ways. If you are in good physical shape, then you can safely go on foot. To get to Rosafa, you have to conquer a steep mountain serpentine, which, as we rise, will only become more complicated. Take care of the appropriate clothes and shoes, so that the walk is as comfortable as possible. If for any reason this option does not suit you, then you can take a taxi. The car will take you to the entrance to the fortress.
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