Gjon Boçari Castle, Vlora

Situated atop a commanding hill, the fortress of Gjon Boçari oversees the expanse of Dukat plain, Tragjas, and the settlement of Radhimë. Vlora's castle stands as a cultural heritage monument. This architectural structure classified under the type of monument was sanctioned in January 1963, however, its origins can be traced back to the 15th century. The fortress had dominion over the coastal areas and the routes that led to the Llogara and Saint George's passes.

The castle consists of a rectangular quadrangle that measures 30 by 18 meters. It is accompanied by two towers that are polygonal in shape, situated in the northern and eastern corners. The entrance to the castle can be found in the middle of one of the shorter sides of the quadrangle. The towers' curtains and walls have a thickness measuring 1.80 m, and their height extends up to 4 m until the guard path. The towers seamlessly blend into the fortification walls, making them an extension of the overall structure without any internal barriers. In the lower section of their walls, turrets designed for weapons are present, and these are topped with flat stone slabs arranged horizontally. Only two French individuals on each side of the gate are allowed to pass through the entire thickness of the curtains.

In 1904, Carl Patsch, an Austrian archaeologist, provided a detailed account of the castle and its vast array of ruined structures located to the north of the site. According to his observations, it is likely that the soldiers stationed at the castle resided in makeshift homes such as tents or simple wooden dwellings.

To reach Gjon Boçari's castle, take an unpaved road leading to the village of Tragjas i ri and continue until you approach the hill where the castle stands. The only way to get to the castle is by using a path designed for pedestrians.