Lëkurësi Castle
Lëkurësi Castle is a ruined site in Sarandë, Vlorë County, Albania, situated on a strategic hill southeast of the town center. Constructed in 1537 by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the castle features a nearly square layout with two round towers at opposing corners and loopholes for defense. Its southern and eastern walls remain the best-preserved sections. Today, the site is open to the public and offers panoramic views of Sarandë, Butrint, and the Straits of Corfu.
Built to counter Venetian threats, the castle housed a garrison of 220 soldiers. In the late 18th century, Ali Pasha of Ioannina attacked the area, raiding nearby villages. A notable conflict occurred in 1878 during the Battle of Lëkurës, where Albanian locals defeated Greek rebels led by Georgios Stephanou after a siege. Historically, the adjacent village of Lëkurës was once larger than Sarandë itself, though it disappeared by the 19th century. The castle remains a symbol of regional military history and a popular tourist attraction.
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Details
- Notes
- The castle of Lëkurës was built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent who had attacked Corfu and needed to control the harbor of Saranda and the road that connected it with Butrint.
- Condition
- ruin
- Year Built
- 1537
- Location Text
- Sarandë''''