Libohovë Castle

Libohovë Castle is a rectangular Ottoman fortress with walls and four corner towers, three of which are polygonal while one is irregular in shape. The structure sits on elevated ground overlooking the Drino Valley below.

The fortress was built between 1796 and 1798 by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë as a wedding gift for his sister Shanishe. She lived there until her death.

This fortress shows how Ottoman building styles shaped southern Albanian architecture over time. Walking through the site reveals the construction methods and layout that became typical for fortifications in this region.

You enter through a marked gate in a local garden area, and there is no admission charge. The site is open to visitors daily without special requirements or restrictions.

A small underground concrete bunker sits in the central courtyard, a surprising addition from a much later period. This structure was added during the Cold War era and contrasts sharply with the original fortress walls.

Location: Libohovë

GPS coordinates: 40.03145,20.26550

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:28