Prezë Castle is an impressive 15th century ruin, situated on a hill northwest of the Preza town in central Albania. During the Middle Ages it played an important role as it overlooked the road from Durrës to Kruja in Tirana plain. This grand castle was built by feudal Thopia family and provided protection for local villages against raiders. It is made up of pentagonal walls and towers, including a clock tower built in 1800’s, that offer great panoramic views of Tirana city and the mountain range behind it.
Apart from its strategic value, Prezë Castle has an interesting history attached to it. The Thopia family had extensive land holdings between the rivers Shkumbin and Mat at that time, which included Prezë Castle. In addition to providing shelter for people living in nearby villages during times of danger, this fortress also doubled up as a signalling point for communication between Kruja Castle, Petrela Castle and Durrës Castle. As such, it was not only valuable for military purposes but also acted as a hub of visual communication amongst castles in the region.
Not much is known about Prezë Castle today except that its ruins remain largely intact despite being exposed to severe weathering over centuries. Its roofless chambers still feature ornate frescoes on their walls and tell tales about its glorious past when it served as a stronghold against enemies. Despite its dilapidated condition due to lack of regular maintenance, travelers can still admire its beauty while enjoying sweeping views from its battlements overlooking Tirana city and surrounding areas.
