Lëkurësi Castle () is a ruined

castle A castle is a type of fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by military orders. Scholars debate the scope of the word ''castle'', but usually consider it to be the private fortified r ...

near Sarandë, southern Albania. The castle is on a strategic hill point overlooking the town of Sarandë, southeast of the town centre. From here one can control the whole town as well as the islands of Ksamil.

History

Lëkurësi Castle was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire. It was built in order to defend against the Venetians. It held a garrison of 220 soldiers as well. The region traditionally belonged to the southern part of the region of Himara. At the end of the 18th century the castle was attacked by

Ali Pasha of Ioannina Ali Pasha of Ioannina (1740 – 24 January 1822), was an Albanian ruler who served as pasha of a large part of western Rumelia, the Ottoman Empire's European territories, which was referred to as the Pashalik of Yanina. His court was in Ioanni ...

and the surrounding habitation raided. Lekursi Castle
/ref> The castle used to withhold the old Lëkurës village. It has a square shape with two round towers on its north-western and south-eastern corners. To climb up to the castle, visitors need to leave the main road on Qafë Gjashtë and go up the town hill from the other side of the town. Today tourist facilities are built next to the castle (restaurant etc.) in similar architectural style.

Gallery

Kalaja e Lekursit 01.JPG Kalaja e Lekursit 02.JPG Lëkurësi Castle, Saranda, Albania 2015-09-25 02.jpg Kalaja e Lekursit 03.JPG Kalaja e Lekursit 04.JPG

References

Buildings and structures completed in 1537 Castles in Albania Buildings and structures in Sarandë 1537 establishments in the Ottoman Empire Tourist attractions in Vlorë County {{Albania-castle-stub

History

Gallery

See also

References