Castle of Gjon Boçari, Medieval fortress in Tragjas, Albania.
Castle of Gjon Boçari is a stone fortress in Tragjas with two large defensive towers at the northern and eastern corners. The walls enclose a central courtyard and are constructed to withstand attacks from various directions.
The fortress was built by the Boçari family, a powerful Albanian clan, in the 16th century. The family expanded the fortification in later centuries as military needs evolved.
The architectural elements of the castle, including arrowslits and strategic positioning, demonstrate the military engineering capabilities of Albanian builders in medieval times.
The ruin is located in a rural area and is best reached by asking for local directions or hiring a guide. Proper footwear is important because the ground is uneven and some parts of the structure are difficult to access.
The Boçari family was known for ruling as independent lords and used this fortress as a symbol of their power in the region. Local accounts highlight how important small Albanian family clans were in resisting larger powers.
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