# Krujë

> town in north central Albania

**Wikidata**: [Q194164](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194164)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krujë)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kruje

## Summary
Krujë is a town in north central Albania, historically significant for its role in the Ottoman-Albanian wars and as the site of multiple sieges led by George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. It serves as the administrative center of Krujë Municipality and is known for its medieval castle and traditional bazaar. As of 2011, its population was 11,721.

## Key Facts
- Located in Krujë Municipality, Albania, at coordinates 41.5108° N, 19.7925° E.
- Population: 11,721 (2011 census) and 19,400 (alternate source).
- Area: 372 square kilometers; elevation: 532 meters above sea level.
- Time zones: UTC+01:00 (standard time) and UTC+02:00 (daylight saving time).
- Postal code: 1501; local dialing code: 511.
- Official website: http://www.kruja.gov.al.
- Native labels: "Kruja" (definite article) and "Krujë" (indefinite article).
- Aliases: Kruje, Kroja, 克魯耶, آقجة حصار, آقچة حصار.
- Historical events: Four Sieges of Krujë (1450–1478).
- Twinned with Cortona, Italy.
- Part of the World Atlas (1999 Russian edition) under "Круя".

## FAQs
- **Where is Krujë located?**  
  Krujë is situated in north central Albania, within Krujë Municipality, at coordinates 41.5108° N, 19.7925° E.  

- **What is Krujë's population?**  
  The town had 11,721 residents in the 2011 census, with another source citing 19,400.  

- **What historical events is Krujë known for?**  
  It endured four Sieges of Krujë between 1450 and 1478, famously defended by Skanderbeg against the Ottomans.  

- **Is Krujë twinned with any cities?**  
  Yes, it is twinned with Cortona, Italy.  

- **Why does Krujë have multiple names?**  
  Its aliases (e.g., Kruje, Kroja) reflect linguistic and historical variations, including Ottoman Turkish and Chinese transliterations.  

## Why It Matters
Krujë holds immense historical and cultural significance as a symbol of Albanian resistance against Ottoman expansion, particularly under Skanderbeg’s leadership. Its medieval castle and old bazaar preserve architectural and commercial traditions, making it a key tourist and educational site. As the capital of its municipality, it remains administratively important, while its elevation and geography underscore its strategic military role in the Balkans.

## Notable For
- Withstood four major sieges (1450–1478) against the Ottoman Empire.  
- Served as Skanderbeg’s headquarters during the Albanian revolt.  
- Home to a medieval castle and a 15th-century bazaar.  
- Elevation of 532 meters, offering strategic defensive advantages.  
- Twinned with Cortona, Italy, fostering cultural exchange.  

## Body

### Geography & Demographics
Krujë spans 372 square kilometers in north central Albania, with coordinates 41.5108° N, 19.7925° E. It sits at 532 meters above sea level, contributing to its historical defensive importance. As of 2011, the town’s population was 11,721, though another source cites 19,400 residents.  

### History
The town is renowned for the **Sieges of Krujë** (1450–1478), where Albanian forces led by George Kastrioti Skanderbeg resisted Ottoman conquest. Despite eventual Ottoman control in 1478, Krujë’s resistance became a cornerstone of Albanian national identity.  

### Administration
Krujë serves as the capital of **Krujë Municipality** and is governed through http://www.kruja.gov.al. Its postal code is 1501, and it uses the local dialing code 511.  

### Culture & Landmarks
Key attractions include the **Krujë Castle**, a medieval fortress housing the Skanderbeg Museum, and the **Old Bazaar**, featuring Ottoman-era shops. The town’s historic center blends Albanian and Ottoman architectural styles.  

### International Relations
Krujë is twinned with **Cortona, Italy**, promoting cultural and economic ties.  

### Identifiers & References
- **VIAF ID**: 136249886  
- **GND ID**: 7627530-9  
- **GeoNames ID**: 3185082  
- Featured in *The World Atlas* (1999 Russian edition) as "Круя".  

### Technical Data
- **Time zones**: UTC+01:00 (standard) and UTC+02:00 (daylight saving).  
- **Elevation source**: Topographic-map.com (https://it-ch.topographic-map.com).  
- **Website**: http://www.kruja.gov.al (reference: Q58255).  

### Legacy
Krujë’s role in the Albanian-Ottoman wars and its preserved medieval architecture make it a national symbol and a UNESCO-recognized cultural site. Its resistance efforts are commemorated globally, particularly among Albanian diaspora communities.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://it-ch.topographic-map.com/map-3g6m9m/Croia/?center=41.51039%2C19.79192&popup=41.51038%2C19.79189&zoom=19)
5. Quora