Overview:

is a castle located near Himara in Albania. It is a fortress from the Middle Ages, but was used as a defensive facility during the Ottoman period. The castle is situated in an idyllic, secluded bay, close to the village of Porto Palermo and is surrounded by the waters of the Ionian Sea. The castle was constructed by Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early 19th century. Its walls are built of rough blocks, while the inner buildings display typical Greek architecture. Inside, some remnants of furniture from Ali Pasha's time can be seen. The castle is now part of an Albanian naval base and visitors are allowed to enter the area but access to the castle itself is prohibited. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

The Porto Palermo Castle is a historic fortress in Himarë, Albania. Located in one of the country’s most popular and renowned beaches, the castle has been a popular tourist destination for many years due to its spectacular views of the nearby Adriatic Sea. A prominent feature of the castle is its tall outer walls, which are a reminder of its ancient origins. Inside, visitors can explore various chambers and towers, including a unique prison tower complete with a much-visited dungeon. There are also a number of cannons in the castle courtyard, as well as a stunning chapel. The castle's history dates back to the 4th century BC, when it was said to have been the home of a wealthy Greek family. It was later used by the Venetians as a strategic stronghold, and was later renovated and expanded by the Ottomans. Porto Palermo Castle is a truly fascinating landmark, and a reminder of the fascinating history of Himarë and Albania. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Porto Palermo Castle is an old castle located in the south of the Albanian coastal town of Himarë. It is located 5 kilometers south of Himarë, and was built during the Middle Ages. The castle was built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, who was involved in Albanian and Ottoman politics during the early 19th century. The castle was used to defend Ali Pasha's possessions against foreign invaders. During the 19th century, the castle saw action during several battles between the Ottomans and the Greeks. The most notable of these is the Battle of Porto Palermo in 1807. During this battle, the Ottomans were defeated by the combined forces of the United Kingdom, Russia, and Sweden. In the late 19th century, the castle was damaged due to an earthquake and has since been in a state of disrepair. It is currently a protected monument and is open to the public. It has been undergoing restoration work, and has been renovated to become a tourist attraction. Today, the castle stands above a secluded beach and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. It is also one of Himarë's main attractions and offers stunning views of the nearby coastline. Despite its long history, the story of Porto Palermo castle and its inhabitants still remains largely untold. Its ruins continue to remain largely overlooked by visitors and scholars alike, and it is hoped that future study will bring to light the secrets of this important structure. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Porto Palermo Castle is a 16th-century castle situated in the bay of Vlorë, Albania, near the village of Himarë. 2. The castle was initially built by Ali Pasha Tepelena, one of the most powerful Ottoman governors in the Balkans who had great ambitions to conquer al of Albania 3. It was later used as a base by the Italian forces during the Second World War in their attempts to occupy Albania. 4. According to a local legend, Ali Pasha Tepelena had the castle connected to Imperial Mohács in Hungary with a secret underground tunnel. 5. Together with the Lëkurësi castle, the castle of Porto Palermo was part of the defense system that defended the town of Himara. 6. Inside the castle, one can find a small Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Nicholas which dates back to 1834. 7. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination and a great spot for weddings and social events. 8. It’s a sometimes used as a movie location and has been featured in films such as ‘Three Summers’ (2004) and ‘Thrace: Cradle of the West’ (2009). One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era