Situated dramatically on a hill between three rivers, Rozafa Castle (Kështjella e Rozafës; Rozafa-Burg) (42.046652 19.493730) stands in Shkodër County in northern Albania. Along with Gjirokastër Castle (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) and Berat Castle (Kala e Beratit), Rozafa Castle is considered one of the three most impressive fortresses in Albania. Following these are Krujë Castle (Kalaja e Krujës; Krujë-Burg) and Porto Palermo Castle (Kalaja e Porto Palermos; Palermo-Burg).

According to legend, three brothers attempted to build a castle, but every night, its walls mysteriously collapsed. Eventually, an old man revealed that the castle would only stand if one of the brothers' wives was imprisoned within its walls alive. The next day, Rozafa arrived carrying her baby. She accepted her fate but requested that her breast, hand, foot, and eye remain uncovered so that she could continue to care for her child. Since then, the legend has become a symbol of sacrifice and the painful price paid for the greater good. As early as the fourth century BCE, the Illyrians founded a settlement called Scodra on the hill. The modern city of Shkodër developed from this settlement. During Roman times, the city expanded into the plain at the foot of the hill. The Venetians significantly strengthened the fortifications. In 1479, the Ottomans captured the castle following a ten-month siege. The castle's military function ended in the 19th century.

Today, the complex consists of three inner courtyards separated by gates. The first courtyard is accessed via the main entrance and features a cylindrical tower, a warehouse, and a three-story Venetian-style building. The second courtyard contains the Fatih Mosque, a prison, and another warehouse. From the third courtyard, visitors are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the city of Shkodër, and Lake Shkodra.