Durres to Bari

We took the night ferry from Durres in Albania to Bari in Italy. The dark is Durres; the light is Bari. It was surprisingly quick to load and unload. We had the presidential suite, and it was the right choice. It was also only about 60 euro more. Food - we were glad we brought our own. It was barely edible. Our ferry was originally built and used in Korea.

 

Big Mural

This is the giant battle scene mural on the outside of the Skenderbeu museum in Kruje. It's pretty awesome to look at.

 

Hotel Balcony

Some more photos from the balcony of the room we had in Kruje. Different views.

 

Castle Models

The truly great thing about these models of some Albanian castles is that you can truly see the terrain.

 

The Albanian Treaties

This mural is about the gathering of Albanian patriots to throw out the Ottomans. It worked for a while.

 

The Helmet

Why you would want a goat skull on your helmet, I will never know. But this is what Skenderbeu wore.

 

Balcony View

This is the view from the room we had at the Panorama Hotel in Kruje. I'd go back.

 

Maps And Treaties

The resemblance to a church is, I am sure, more than coincidence. As you walk through this area, you get a bit of history of Albania before Skenderbeu.

 

Early Albania

Back in Roman times, Albania was known as Illyria. It was also known to be fractious, even when ruled by a woman like Queen Teuta.

 

Goat Weirdness

This is, I believe, the representation of Skenderbeu. He had goat horns on his helm and a lot of fortifications. Other than that, no clue.

 

Skenderbeu And His Strongholds

This is the entrance foyer of the museum. It sets the tone. The map below shows Skenderbeu's strongholds.

 

Grand Doorway

This door is the way in to the Skenderbeu museum. It is simultaneously a museum honoring Skenderbeu, the 15th century king, and Albanian communism. Needless to say, it was built in the 1980's.

 

Bedroom, Kitchen, and Embroidery

It seems even the wealthiest houses were crowded back in the day. The bedroom had several beds in it, plus a cradle. The kitchen was tiny. But the embroideries were beautiful.