Shniku
Summit in Albania
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shniku (lit. 'St. Nicholas'), also known as Maja e Madhe or Maja e Shnikut, is a summit in the Accursed Mountains of northern Albania. Rising to 2,552 m (8,373 ft) above sea level, it is one of the prominent peaks of the Albanian Alps and forms part of a massive limestone structure in the interior section of the range.[1]
| Shniku | |
|---|---|
| Maja e Madhe | |
Front view of Shniku to the left | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,552 m (8,373 ft) |
| Prominence | 618 m (2,028 ft) |
| Isolation | 17 m (56 ft) |
| Coordinates | 42°28′20″N 19°44′13″E |
| Naming | |
| Nickname | Maja Skënderbeu |
| Geography | |
  Shniku | |
| Country |  Albania |
| Region | Northern Mountain Region |
| Municipality | Shkodër |
| Parent range | Accursed Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Rock age(s) | Mesozoic, Neogene |
| Mountain type | summit |
| Rock type(s) | limestone, dolomite |
Geology
Shniku is situated east of the village of Nikç in the municipality of Kelmend, near the karst depression known as Ujkcarë–Koprisht. From its summit, the peak offers wide panoramic views in all directions, overlooking several valleys and mountain basins, including Nikç, Lepushë, Koprisht and Vizhne.
Composed primarily of Mesozoic limestone with minor dolomite formations, the summit belongs to one of the highest tectonic units of the Albanian Alps. Its elevation and rugged relief are the result of Neogene uplift followed by prolonged erosion and structural dissection.
The western slopes are particularly steep and affected by large-scale gravitational rock movements, while the eastern slopes descend more gradually.[2]