To mark the 558th anniversary of the death of Albania’s National Hero, the “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” Museum in Krujë has placed a 1455 portolan map on public display.

The map, drawn by Bartolomeo Pareto, the official cartographer of Pope Nicholas V, represents a rare document of major historical and European significance.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images of the map on social media. He described it as “a unique testimony of European and Albanian history.”

According to Gonxhja, the map influenced royal courts across Europe and Asia. Notably, it features the name “Scandre Beco” — Skanderbeg — as a geographic reference in the heart of the Balkans, a region facing growing Ottoman pressure. As a result, the document confirms Skanderbeg’s widespread recognition during his lifetime and highlights his decisive role as a defender of Europe in the 15th century.

Furthermore, the minister stressed that the map serves as an irreplaceable source for Albanological studies and for understanding European history at the transition from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern period.

In addition, portolan maps like this one demonstrate how Albania and Skanderbeg appeared in international circles of the time.

Through this exhibition, the museum offers visitors a rich educational and historical experience. At the same time, it underscores the importance of national heritage and reinforces Skanderbeg’s role as a symbol of resistance and Albanian identity.

Finally, Gonxhja encouraged citizens and visitors to view the map in person and to appreciate its historical, cultural, and scientific value.

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