Borsh Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Borsh, Albania
Borsh Castle is a fortress ruin on a hilltop near the Ionian Sea, with preserved stone walls and multiple gates that define its structure. The site contains several layers of construction, including the remains of a mosque from the Ottoman period.
The fortress was first documented in the 13th century under the name Sopotos and served as a key defense post for multiple rulers. It changed hands between Byzantine, Epirote, and Ottoman powers before eventually being abandoned.
The mosque that still stands within the walls shows how different faiths coexisted in this place over the centuries. Walking through, you notice how the building reflects the religious lives of people who occupied the site during Ottoman times.
The ruins can be reached on foot via a marked trail from Borsh village, or you can drive directly to the site using the access road. The climb is fairly straightforward, and the views toward the coast are worth the effort.
The fortress walls include triangular towers built during the Byzantine period, a distinctive architectural feature that sets this site apart from other Albanian fortifications. These towers remain visible and are among the best-preserved elements of the entire structure.
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