Old Bazaar of Kruja

The bazaar runs along a narrow, gently ascending cobblestone lane toward the castle walls. Wooden dukan shops with wide-open fronts stand shoulder to shoulder – a layout typical of 17th–18th century Ottoman market rows. Stone-walled at the base and timber-framed above, the shops are topped with terracotta-tiled roofs. On sunny days, shadows from awnings and hanging carpets create a dim interior, while copper jugs, engraved plates, leather goods, and stacks of woollen rugs are displayed outside.

The merchandise splits roughly in two: artisan crafts (beaten copper, filigree silver, handwoven rugs, embroidery, alabaster) and mass-produced souvenirs (fridge magnets, T-shirts, ceramics). The best finds are deeper into the bazaar – antique shops with Ottoman-era objects and jewellery workshops with handmade pieces. Prices are not fixed – bargaining is expected, especially for multiple items.

Several cafés along the bazaar serve strong Albanian coffee for 100–150 ALL (≈ €1–1.5, ~$1.1–1.7) and burek (flaky pastry with meat or cheese) for 100–200 ALL. Terraces offer views across the valley and mountains. The atmosphere is relaxed – shopkeepers invite you in but don't pressure.

Age – founded in the 17th century (400+ years old), restored in 2015

Location – a ~300 m cobblestone street leading directly to the gates of Kruja Castle

Crafts – beaten copperware, filigree jewellery, handwoven rugs, embroidery, alabaster goods

Prices – among the lowest in Albania for souvenirs and handcrafted items

Architecture – wooden Ottoman-style dukan shops on stone foundations with tile roofs

The bazaar emerged in the 17th century as Kruja's commercial hub, by then two centuries under Ottoman rule. Trade had existed here since Skanderbeg's era (15th century), but the formal market with permanent shops came later. It served as a centre of free trade between city merchants and surrounding districts, and its location on the road to the fortress made it the focal point of town life. Artisan families owned shops for generations – a tradition partly preserved today.

Under Enver Hoxha's communist regime (1944–1991), the bazaar lost its commercial function and fell into disrepair. An initial restoration in the mid-1960s rebuilt the wooden shops and cobbled street to their historical appearance. A major reconstruction in 2015 renovated façades, improved paving, and restored historical elements. Today the bazaar is Kruja's main tourist attraction alongside the castle, drawing around 6,000 visitors per week during peak season.

From Tirana (35–40 km, 50–60 min):

- Shared minibus (furgon) from the Regional Bus Terminal – 150–200 ALL (≈ €1.5–2 / $1.7–2.2), departures every hour 7:00 AM–6:00 PM. City bus (40 ALL) from Skanderbeg Square to the terminal

- Taxi – 2,500–3,000 ALL (€25–30 / $27–33)

- Rental car – drive via Fushë-Kruja on SH38, parking near the bazaar 200–300 ALL

From Tirana Airport (TIA, 22 km):

- Taxi – approx. 2,200 ALL (€22 / $24). Kruja is closer to the airport than central Tirana – convenient as a first or last stop

From Durrës (50 km, 1–1.5 h):

- No direct bus – transfer in Fushë-Kruja, or take a taxi / rental car

On arrival:

From the bus stop in Kruja to the bazaar – 5–10 min uphill walk. The bazaar starts at the lower gate and climbs toward the castle.

Season: April–June and September–October – comfortable weather, not too hot. In July–August temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F).

Time of day: Morning (9:00–11:00) – fewer tour groups, shops already open. It gets busy around midday.

Duration: 30–60 min for the bazaar. With the castle, museums, and lunch – 3–4 hours for all of Kruja.

Avoid: Summer weekends – coach tours arrive. Mondays off-season (November–April) – castle museums closed, some shops too.