George Castriot (Skanderbeg)

Gjergj Kastrioti (Known as "Skanderbeg")

Albanian National Hero, General, Prince of Kastrioti, "Dragon of Albania"

Born 6 May 1405

Sinë (Dibra), Albania

Passed Away 17 January 1468 Lezhë, Albania

Lifespan ~63 years old

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Notice / Correction

"I did not bring you freedom; I found it here among you."

Archival Overview

Albanian lord and military mastermind who united the Albanian princes in the League of Lezhë, successfully defending Albanian mountains against more than twenty major Ottoman invasions for a quarter-century.

Biographical Record

George Castriot, named İskender Bey (Lord Alexander) while serving as an Ottoman cavalry commander, deserted in 1443 to liberate his ancestral fortress of Krujë. For twenty-five years, utilizing partisan mountain ambushes, feigned retreats, and impenetrable fortifications, his 10,000 highlanders repeatedly repelled massive imperial armies led personally by Sultans Murad II and Mehmed II.

Revered by the Papacy and Venice as the "Defender of the Faith," Skanderbeg remains the quintessential symbol of Albanian independence and national identity.

Key Life Milestones

June–October 1450

First Siege of Krujë

Repelled Sultan Murad II's 100,000-strong army from the mountain fortress with devastating night raids.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Skanderbeg Mausoleum at Saint Nicholas Church
Lezhë, Albania

                         GPS: 41.7825, 19.6433                    

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