Tepelenë Castle, Medieval fortress in Tepelenë, Albania
Tepelenë Castle is a fortress built on a hilltop in southern Albania where the Drino and Vjosë rivers meet. The structure includes multiple sections with thick walls, gateways, and buildings integrated into the natural slope of the terrain.
Written records first mention the fortress in the late 15th century, though its origins trace back to Byzantine times centuries earlier. It later became a regional seat of power under successive rulers and remained strategically important for centuries.
The site is closely tied to Ali Pasha, the regional strongman whose influence shaped this territory and whose presence remains central to how locals and visitors understand the place. Walking through the ruins, you encounter traces of a time when this was a seat of real power and decision-making.
The fortress is relatively accessible from higher ground and offers clear views across the surrounding landscape. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is hilly and pathways can be uneven underfoot.
The walls are remarkably thick and do not follow standard geometric patterns, instead adapting naturally to the hillside contours. This approach to building with the terrain rather than against it shows how builders worked with what the landscape offered.
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