Kruja, a historic town in north-central Albania, lies between Mount Krujë and the Ishëm River, just 20 km north of Tirana.

The area was originally settled by the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Albani. In 1190, Kruja became the capital of the Principality of Arbër, the first Albanian state during the Middle Ages.

It later served as the capital of the Kingdom of Albania.

In the early 15th century, the Ottomans conquered Kruja, but in 1443, it was reclaimed by Skanderbeg, the national hero and leader of the League of Lezhë.

He successfully defended the city against three major Ottoman sieges until his death in 1468.

Today, Kruja is recognized as Albania’s historical capital.