Audio Guide of Durrës Castle

The castle's walled enclosure is open 24 hours a day, but the Skanderbeg Museum inside usually opens from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer (reduced hours in winter and closed on Mondays). Access is on foot through the historic Old Bazaar, following a cobbled street that leads directly to the fortress's main entrance.

Walking inside the fortress walls and enjoying the views is free. However, to enter specific attractions such as the Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum or the Ethnographic Museum, you will need to buy a ticket costing around 500 LEK (approx. €5) and 400 LEK respectively.

For a complete experience that includes the museums, a walk through the ruins, and time for panoramic photos, I recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours. If you only plan to walk around the walled enclosure and see the exterior, one hour may be enough.

This place is the heart of Albanian resistance and a symbol of national pride; it was from here that the national hero Skanderbeg defended the country against the Ottoman Empire for 25 years. The castle withstood three massive sieges in the 15th century, becoming a legend in European history.

Spring and early autumn are ideal for avoiding the stifling heat and the August crowds. The best time of day is at sunset, when you can watch the sun go down over the Adriatic Sea from above, with perfect golden light for photography.

Access is quite difficult for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility because of the old cobbled streets, which are steep and slippery. Although vehicles can get close to the upper entrance, moving around inside the citadel involves many historic architectural barriers.

Right at the foot of the castle you will find the must-see Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër), one of the best-preserved Ottoman markets where you can buy local handicrafts. You can also visit Mount Sarisalltik if you have a vehicle to reach the mountain summit.

It is essential to wear comfortable shoes with good grip, such as trainers, because the original paving stones are very smooth and slippery. I also recommend bringing cash (Albanian lek) for tickets and souvenirs, and using an audio guide to truly understand the epic history surrounding these walls.