Vivari Fortress, Ottoman fortress at Butrint, Albania
Vivari Fortress is a squared stone structure positioned at the mouth of Vivari Channel, guarding the waterway near Butrint. The walls enclose a central courtyard where defenders could observe water traffic from multiple angles.
Venetian merchants built the fortification at the end of the 15th century to secure their control over this vital waterway. Later, Ottoman rulers took command and adapted it to their military needs.
The fortress demonstrates how people once controlled movement through the waterway and protected their trading routes in this region. The location was essential for managing passage, and garrison soldiers and their families lived with the constant rhythm of maritime traffic.
The fortress is accessible only by boat from the entrance of Butrint Archaeological Site, with local operators making regular trips. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven stone surfaces and be prepared for exposure to sun and wind on the water.
The fortress collected tolls and taxes from every boat passing through the channel, making it a valuable revenue source. This control over commerce was as important as any military advantage the location provided.
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