MYVOYAGES

Passion for exploring and photography

A TRIP ROUTE

Albania, Ghegeria - the route of the trip


INTERESTING STORIES

George Kastriota (born 1405 in Kruja, died 1468 in Lezhë), known as Skanderbeg, was an Albanian ruler and military commander considered one of the greatest generals of all time and an icon of the defense of Christianity and Albania. It was linked to the Kingdom of Poland by a common, though not always coordinated, fight against the threat from the Ottoman Empire. As a result of the uprising he initiated and led, Albania regained independence for a time (1444-1479). After the defeat at the Battle of Varna (1444) and the death of the Polish-Hungarian king, Vladislaus Jagiellon, the Transylvanian voivode, John Hunyadi, became regent of Hungary in 1446. In 1448, Hunyadi decided to take action against the Turks, establishing contacts with Skanderbeg. With the support of the Wallachians, he gathered an army of approximately 25,000 men, but the Serbian despot Durad Branković (a vassal of the sultan) prevented Skanderbeg from joining Hunyadi. As a result, the Second Battle of Kosovo in October 1448 ended in his defeat, and this victory paved the way for the Ottomans to conquer the Balkans.

Skanderbeg, painting by Cristofano dell'Altissimoo


IT IS WORTH KNOWING

After regaining independence, Poland established diplomatic relations with Albania only in 1937. This was due to the lack of Polish settlement and any trade links with the country. Our diplomatic representative in Tirana was Władysław Gűnther-Schwarzburg, the ambassador from Athens, who received accreditation for Albania in 1937. In 1938, he attended the wedding of the Albanian King Zog I and the Hungarian Princess Geraldine Apponyi. During the interwar period, only a few Poles, primarily geologists and journalists, visited Albania. Oil deposits are being exploited in Albania, once significant in the history of oil production in Europe. These deposits were explored by Polish geologists Jerzy Strzetelski (1874-1943) and Stanisław Zuber (1893-1947), among others. The former undertook reconnaissance geological research immediately after World War I, while Lviv geologist Stanisław Zuber was employed by the Italian oil company Azienda Italiana Petroli Albania and conducted exploration work as chief geologist from 1929 to 1947. He discovered oil deposits in the town of Kucova, which supplied Italy with crude oil until the end of World War II, and subsequently Albania. (source: www.kworum.com.pl)

King Zogu I of Albania with his wife during their visit to Warsaw in July 1939 (www.repozytorium.fn.org.pl)


Albania - Ghegeria

June 2025

Bovilla Lake

While traveling around the Balkan Peninsula, Albania made such a great impression on me that I decided to return. I explored much of the country, but because I was traveling alone and renting a car was uneconomical, many off-the-beaten-path destinations were inaccessible.

The opportunity arose during this year's vacation. I managed to book an all-inclusive vacation to Golem on the Albanian Riviera at a great price. Julek and I spent it relaxing and exploring the local attractions. As usual, I rented a car, so we could easily reach all the remote spots, focusing mainly on admiring the untouched nature. We especially enjoyed Lake Bovilla, and the climb to the nearby peak was worth the effort, as the scenery from the viewing platform was simply spectacular.


Durres and Golem


Egnatia Street leading to the old town A breath of modernity Veliera Square A souvenir photo Tower from the reign of the Venetians Mujo Ulqinaku, heroic defender during the Italian invasion in 1939 Impression, St. Paul and St. Astius Cathedral Venetian and Byzantine fortifications Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century St. Lucy's Church from the 19th century Freedom Square, Grand Mosque Seaside promenade Monument to the Unknown Soldier Rock stars from the second half of the 20th century Tina Turner Mick Jagger John Lennon Ventus Harbor Hotel Twins Sphinx Nostalgia Beach in Golem A souvenir photo Beach volleyball Bunker on the beach Time to return

Our hotel was located in the tourist resort of Golem, near Durres. As is usually the case, aside from wide, sandy beaches and a multitude of hotels and restaurants, there were almost no attractions. This unassuming town proved to be an excellent base for our excursions. Our first stop was the nearby town of Durres. Since I had already visited the city three years ago, I was able to show Julek around like a professional guide.


Karavasta Lagoon and Rodon Peninsula


Karavasta Lagoon Observation tower Karavasta Lagoon Great white egrets Godulles Lagoon Pelican on duty Need to take care of hygiene A souvenir photo Divjaka Beach On the way Cape of Rodon On the edge of the cliff Dragonfly A souvenir photo Cape of Rodon, Skanderbeg castle ruins in the background Ruins of Skanderbeg Castle What a splash! St. Anthony's Church from the 15th century A souvenir photo Cape of Rodon, bunkers Observer Ishem, defensive walls of a castle built by the Turks in the 16th century

The picturesque Karavasta Lagoon is a habitat for waterfowl, protected in the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park. Unfortunately, we only managed to observe a few herons, and even then from a very long distance. Fortunately, the situation was saved by a `pelican on duty`, with whom we took souvenir photos. The Rodon Peninsula was equally spectacular, although the ruins of Skanderbeg's castle, seen up close, were a bit disappointing.


Kruje and Lake Bovilla


Zgerdhesh, Halil mosque Zgerdhesh, ruins of the 2nd-century Illyrian city of Albanopolis Kruja, old town Old bazaar at the foot of the castle A souvenir photo City panorama Skanderbeg Monument Castle, Skanderbeg Museum King Pyrrhus of Epirus (319 - 272 BC) - eponym of the 'Pyrrhic victory' League of Lezhe, anti-Ottoman alliance of Albanian princes A souvenir photo Castle courtyard, ruins of the 15th-century Mehmet Fatih Mosque Bombard Defensive walls Watchtower On the way Lake Bovilla After a relaxing swim Mount Gamti Viewing platform Lake Bovilla in all its glory Gotta work a little for it View from the Bovilla platform Peek-a-boo Bovilla Dam supplying water to Tirana Time to return

The biggest attraction of the city of Kruje is the impressive ruins of a fortress, picturesquely situated atop a cliff. It was here that George Kastriota Skanderbeg, the Albanian hero of the fight against the Ottoman Empire, was born. The highlight of the day-long trip was a visit to Lake Bovilla, located in the Dajti Mountains National Park. A relaxing swim in the crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking panorama from the viewing platform were worth the effort of the climb.


Lezhe and Shkoder


Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, national hero of Albania Ruins of St. Nicholas Cathedral, where Skanderbeg's tomb was located Skanderbeg Monument Ruins of the Illyrian city of Lissus from the 4th century BC Lezha Castle on top of a 186-meter hill Flag of Albania Castle courtyard Medieval door jamb Panorama of the area Shkoder, old town promenade Rruga Kolë Idromeno Very few guests Lead Mosque Domes covered with lead Mosque courtyard (sahn) Rozafa Castle Barbican, fortified entrance to the castle A souvenir photo Venetian defensive walls View of the Buna River from the castle walls Saranxha, stone water cistern from the 14th century Ruins of St. Stephen's Cathedral from the 13th-15th century Citadel Capiteneria, residence of the Venetian governor from the 15th century I need to investigate this further Secret exit from the castle Lake Skadar Shaqari Island, unfinished hotel from Hoxha's time A souvenir photo Floating yellow water-lily leaves Lake Skadar, Accursed Mountains on the horizon Lake Skadar Impression

A trip to Lake Skadar, located right on the border with Montenegro, was the longest trip during our stay in Albania. The picturesque views of the lake and the Accursed Mountains fully compensated for the hardships of the day's drive. In the city of Shkodër itself, we visited the medieval Rozafa Castle and the lead mosque. The ruins of the once-imposing fortress made a great impression on us, and Julek liked the secret exit the most.





My favorite photos

Durres, Vollga Promenade

Zgerdhesh, Halil mosque

Lake Skadar

Lake Bovilla

Lake Skadar






















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