Shurdhah Island, also known as Ishulli i Shurdhahut in Albanian, is a captivating destination located in the Vau i Dejës Reservoir in northern Albania. This island emerged when the Drin River valley was flooded during the construction of the HPS, creating a stunning oasis. With an expansive area of 7.5 hectares, Shurdhah Island is the largest island within the reservoir.
To reach this enchanting island during the summer, you can embark on a delightful tourist boat journey from either the Vau i Dejës dam or Rragam. As you cruise towards Shurdhah Island, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas and a sense of tranquility.
Historically, Shurdhah Island holds great significance. It was once known as Sarda, an Illyrian settlement dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The town played a vital role in the development of the Komani-Kruja culture in northern Albania. Strategically positioned along the ancient trade route connecting the Adriatic Sea to Dardania, Sarda served as a crucial resting point for weary travelers.
Surrounded on three sides by the Drin River, the settlement of Sarda featured a defensive wall encompassing the entire hill on which it was built. Throughout its history, Sarda experienced periods of expansion and development, with two rings of walls and fourteen churches constructed within the site during the 9th to 12th centuries. This flourishing period saw Sarda become a bishopric and the seat of the joint bishop of Sapa and Sarda.
Over time, Sarda faced territorial disputes with Scutari in the 13th century and suffered devastation during the Ottoman ravages of 1491. Eventually, in 1973, the completion of the dam transformed the city of Sarda into a captivating island on the left bank of the river Drin.
Ecclesiastically, Sarda held great importance as a diocese, with a notable history closely intertwined with that of the Diocese of Dagnum. Pope Martin V unified the two dioceses in 1428, and they were suffragans of the Archbishopric of Antivari until the late eighteenth century. In 1933, the diocese was restored as a titular bishopric, and several esteemed individuals have held the title since then.
When visiting Shurdhah Island today, tourists have the opportunity to explore the remnants of the ancient medieval castle, offering glimpses into its rich past. You can wander among the ruins, marvel at the two rings of defensive walls and towers (some partially submerged in the lake), and discover the remains of a Byzantine church and other early medieval structures. The island’s picturesque setting on steep rocks rising from the lake creates a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Shurdhah Island is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and captivating ruins make it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
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