Overview:

Dhërmi Castle, Dhërmi in Albania is situated on the edge of the Vlorë District in western Albania. It offers stunning views of the sea, and is considered to be a lasting reminder of the Venetian rule in the region and is a popular tourist attraction. The castle was first built in the 14th Century as a lookout post for the Venetians during their occupation of the region. Its location was strategically chosen to provide surveillance of the Adriatic coastline and the lands beyond. In the 16th Century, it was rebuilt in defense against the invading Ottoman forces, and it is from this era that the castle still retains many of its original features. The walls are made of red stone and the structure still stands in a remarkable state of preservation for a ruin of its age. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

The Dhërmi Castle, located in the village of Dhërmi within the Himara Municipality, dates back to the 10th century. It is one of the most significant cultural monuments of Albania, and a fine example of Byzantine architecture. The castle is situated on the top of a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, and is made up of two towers connected by a bridge, with various other structures, such as churches and gates. The site also contains a Byzantine-style church. The castle is built in the typical Byzantine style, with stone walls and an octagonal tower. The castle was built to guard the village from pirate attacks, as well as to serve as a luxurious residence for the local wealthy families. Dhërmi Castle is an important tourist destination in Albania, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful structures in the country. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Dhërmi Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Dhërmi, in Vlorë County, Albania. The castle was originally built in the 8th century, but underwent reconstruction in the 13th and 14th centuries. It served as a defensive structure for the local inhabitants. The castle is surrounded by a rectangular wall with four towers on the corners, the remaining walls of which still stand today. The interior walls feature the remains of two towers, a chapel, a dining room and numerous other rooms. The castle is situated on a steep hill overlooking the beach of Dhërmi. The castle was mentioned in several medieval documents, such as the “Golden Bull” of Pope Gregory XI in 1372, when it was referred to as a Franciscan monastery belonging to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vlorë. In the late Middle Ages, the castle was used by Venetian and Ottoman forces to protect the coast from attack. It was abandoned in the 19th century, after the town of Dhërmi was destroyed by an earthquake in 1847. In recent years, the castle has been renovated in order to preserve it as a tourist attraction. It is now open to the public as a museum, featuring an exhibition of traditional Albanian artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Dhërmi Castle is a medieval fortress located on the southeast coast of the country and is notable for its unique coastal location. 2. The castle dates back to the 10th century and was originally used by the Venetian maritime traders and the rulers of the Principality of Aruk. 3. The castle is thought to have been built by a Venetian pope in the 14th century and used by the Ottomans as a base to guard the Gjirokastër bay area. 4. The castle was used as a base for resistance during the Albanian War of Independence in the early 20th century. 5. In 2013 it was declared an archaeological monument of national importance and it has since been undergoing restoration. 6. The castle is located at the highest point of the small village of Dhërmi, 300 meters above the Adriatic Sea. 7. The castle has a castle tower, two sections of walls and two gates, the main gate in the west and a smaller one in the south. 8. The walls of the castle are made of stone and brick, while the upper part of the tower is made with terracotta blocks. 9. The main gate of the castle is framed with four columns and surmounted by two containers for lighting. 10. There is a tunnel connecting the castle with the sea, allowing the castle to be used as an embarkation point for sailing ships. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era