Këlcyra Castle

Këlcyra Castle, nestled on the slope of Trebeshina Mountain, boasts a rich history spanning from Late Antiquity to the 19th century. This fortress, occupying 0.5 hectares, was continuously inhabited by the Illyrians.

Constructed over four phases, the castle's origins date back to the 4th-3rd century BC, featuring walls built with mortarless blocks. Subsequent phases, from the 3rd-5th century and the 6th-17th century, witnessed further development and reconstruction, with walls reaching up to 4 meters high. The final phase, in the 19th century under Ali Pasha Tepelena's rule, saw significant rebuilding and integration into the defense system.

The castle's structure includes defensive towers and corridors, with the last phase characterized by fortifications atop the slope, reinforced by three towers. Despite damages, notably during World War II in 1944, the castle offers breathtaking views of Këlcyra Gorge, Vjosa Valley, and Dëshnica.