Overview:

The Fortress of Bashtovë, Tepelenë In Albania is one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in the country. The fortress was built by the local Cham Albanian populace after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century and is the largest fortification in the area. It was built in a unique style to protect the people and the region from attacks by the Ottomans and other invaders. The fortress is composed of several connected stone towers, and its interiors are filled with a network of tunnels and passages. It also contains a chapel with a bell tower, a well, and two bastions, one on each side. The fortress was recently restored to its former glory and is a popular tourist attraction today. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

The Fortress of Bashtovë is a medieval fortification located in the town of Tepelenë in southern Albania. This site dates back to the 5th century BC, and it played an important role in Albania's medieval history. The fortress is well-preserved and is now open to the public. Its walls measure over 2.5m high, and it features several towers, four corner towers, and a central tower. The fortress is built out of local stone and is connected to the town by a road that passes through a tunnel. Inside the fortress, visitors can find several old churches, an ancient prison, a small museum, and a variety of artifacts. Visitors can also explore the old city of Tepelenë, which is located nearby. This is a great place to observe local culture and explore Albania's fascinating history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Fortress of Bashtovë is an ancient fortress located in the southeastern corner of Albania, in the region of Tepelenë. The fortress is believed to date as far back as the 2nd century BC, when it was first built by the Illyrian people who inhabited the Tepelenë area. It has seen various forms of ownership in the centuries following the establishment of the Roman Empire. During the period between the 12th and 15th centuries, the fortress was owned by a series of Albanian families, including the Lekaj and Shpata families. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire moved into northern Albania and confiscated the fortress. During the period of Ottoman rule, Bashtovë was used as both a military fortress and a prison. The fortress was very effectively controlled by the Ottoman forces, and for several centuries, no external threats managed to penetrate this stronghold. During the 19th century, the fortress fell to the control of the Albanian League of Prizren, a political movement aiming to preserve and promote Albanian culture and protect ethnic Albanians from outside threats. The Albanian League was ultimately defeated by the forces of the Ottoman Empire, and Bashtovë returned to Ottoman control. Bashtovë eventually fell to the forces of the Italian King during World War I, and then later to the forces of the Albanian National Army during World War II. The fortress has been largely neglected in modern times, with its walls and foundations crumbling from disuse and the ravages of time. Very little of the fortress survives today, although the town of Tepelenë still holds the fortress in high regard, and it remains a symbol of its rugged, long-standing history. Today, the Fortress of Bashtovë serves as an important reminder of the history of Tepelenë and all of Albania, and of the significant historic and cultural importance that this region holds. The fortress still draws visitors and is a site of importance for both locals and tourists. Ultimately, the Fortress of Bashtovë is a testament to the strength, endurance, and resilience of the people of Tepelenë, and the fortitude with which they defended their homes and secrets. This fortress today is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the people of Tepelenë and of all of Albania. It is a symbol of struggles and countless eras that have gone by and will never be forgotten. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Fortress of Bashtovë is an impressive example of Ottoman military architecture. It was built in the late 17th century overlooking Tepelene, a small town in southern Albania. 2. It consists of two fortifications, each connected by a drawbridge and surrounded by a moat. 3. The walls of the fortress are made of thick stone and perched on a hilltop to provide a strategic view of the surrounding area. 4. Sadly, the fortress has been neglected over time and many sections are now in ruins. 5. The fortress was part of a larger complex of Ottoman military architecture, which included a barracks, a powder magazine, and an ammunition storage area. 6. There were originally three defensive towers situated along the wall, but only one remains today. 7. During the 19th century, the fortress was used as an ammunition depot for Ali Pasha, a powerful military leader in the Albanian region. 8. The Ottoman Sultan Selim III declared the area a military zone and gave orders to the local authorities to fortify the area in 1807. 9. The fortress has been used in military conflicts throughout its history, most notably during the Eastern Crisis of 1878. 10. In 2012, the fortress of Bashtovë was declared a protected archaeological site by the Albanian government. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era