Historische Zeitleiste
Von der illyrischen Antike bis zur Gegenwart
BC
Illyrians and the Ancient City
Krujë is known as one of the most important Illyrian cities. Archaeological excavations reveal signs of strong settlements and rich cultural life dating back thousands of years before Christ.
11th Century
The Castle of Krujë
The castle of Krujë becomes the capital of the Principality of Arber. Its strategic position above the Ishëm valley makes it impregnable — a fortress that would write Albanian history.
1443
Skanderbeg's Return
Gjergj Kastrioti — Skanderbeg — returns to Krujë and raises the Albanian flag over the castle. This moment marks the beginning of the heroic resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
1443–1468
25 Years of Resistance
Skanderbeg leads Albanian forces against Ottoman invasions. Krujë withstands three major Ottoman sieges — 1450, 1466 and 1467 — becoming a symbol of freedom across Christendom.
1468
Death of Skanderbeg
Gjergj Kastrioti dies in Lezhë. With his passing, Krujë and Albania fell under Ottoman rule. Yet his legacy continued to inspire Albanian uprisings for centuries.
15th–19th Century
The Ottoman Period
Under Ottoman rule, Krujë develops as a trading center. The kulla architecture — traditional Albanian houses of wood and stone — forms the core of what is today the Ethnographic Museum.
1981
Founding of the Museum
The Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Krujë officially opens. The Ethnographic Museum is housed in an 18th-century kulla, while the historical exhibition honours Skanderbeg's legacy within the castle.