KALAJA E VJETËR

The old urban field-type fortress is located in the centre of the old nucleus of the city of Vushtrri. According to researchers, it was built in the 7th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian the First. Their conclusions are based on the existence of the old foundations on which the fort was rebuilt. In ancient times the fortress served as a shelter for caravans of traders. Because of its strategic position, during different periods the castle served as a prison, a weapon depot, and other military purposes. It consists of two parts, a two-story tower on the east and the surrounding walls in the west. Based on some field studies and findings, the Old Castle was rebuilt several times. The fortification system of the fortress walls maintains an acreage base, while the ground-floor tower has the ground floor and the floor on which the plate is built for broad-edged stone protection. The surrounding walls of the fortress stand on the edges of the side walls of the tower, leaving most of it outside the surrounding walls. Based on its archaeological, artistic, social, spiritual, rarity and scientific values, the Old Castle was proclaimed a site under permanent protection by the Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage in 2016.