Preza

Notwithstanding the rainy weather, today I had the chance to visit this place, situated north-west of Tirana, perched up on a mountainous area, with a terrific view of the entire plain that from the capital extends all the way to the sea. Unfortunately, because of the weather, the full panorama was not possible, but I was told that on a clear day one can see as far north as the towns of Krujë and Lezhë.

This is only a rear (east) view with the lake, named after the town.

The winding road that goes up the mountain for a few km. is typically narrow, but completely lined by beautifully green and delightfully fragrant bushes in full bloom, which were a sight by themselves, with their large splashes of yellow and pink colors.

Once we reached this community I was surprised to see, with the exception of some old ruins and part of the old fortress and its tower, that most local residences consist of big 2 story homes, completely modern looking, surrounded by high stone fences and large entrance metal gates.






The small museum is located near the tower, next door to the spacious, rustic and attractively furnished restaurant that was carved out, with its modern parking lot, right on the edge of the mountain. Inside it there was an amazing display of green plants that lent an aura of a greenhouse, while one can dine and take in the immense view through the windows that form a wall along the entire length of the restaurant.


Outside, this property extends on more than one level, with large terraces and a gazebo on the top. It must be delightful to be here on a hot and clear day!

As I was told, and if I understood the information correctly, the castle was built in the 1500’s by the Turks, and Preza, with its renown horsemen, was at one point the capital, but for only 24 hours! One inopportune sight here are the 2 high tech communication towers that, photographed from the back of the old castle, frame the remains of the old structure.




Amazingly, even in a week day like this, the parking lot got filled up and the restaurant was busy serving, good and spicy local food that, however, included some meat that was a bit tough.


By the time we finished lunch, the view completely disappeared, and we were en wrapped in clouds, while the rain began to pound the soil. My hosts, however, skillfully drove me back to Tirana, where the traffic was, as usual, maddening.