Himarë Castle, Medieval fortress on hilltop in Vlorë District, Albania.
Himarë Castle is a fortress complex on a hilltop near the coast with remaining fortification walls, two entrance gates, and a round tower positioned to the north. The ruins cover a large area and reveal building styles from different periods through the structures that have survived to today.
The castle's origins reach back to the 5th and 4th centuries BC, when it first served as a defensive structure during Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule. The fortress was modified and rebuilt several times as different powers controlled the region over the centuries.
The castle grounds hold several Orthodox churches, including the 13th-century Saint Michael church, which reveal how religious life was woven into this fortress community. Visitors can see these structures today and understand the importance of faith in the lives of those who lived here.
The site is easy to reach from the SH8 road along the Albanian Riviera and entry is free for visitors. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven throughout the site and exploration requires walking over various terrain.
Inside the fortress walls, cobblestone paths wind through ancient and medieval ruins that form the layout of what once was a living village within the fortifications. This layout gives visitors a rare sense of how daily life was organized within a defended settlement.
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