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Ali Pasha's Castle: A Coastal Fortress with a Storied Past

Explore Ali Pasha's Castle in Ksamil: a historic fortress on an island, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Albania's past.

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Ali Pasha's Castle, near Ksamil, Albania, is a captivating historical site built on an island in the Vivari Channel. Originally constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century, it was seized and fortified by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë in the early 19th century. Accessible only by boat, the castle offers panoramic views and a unique glimpse into the region's past.

A brief summary to Ali Pasha's Castle

  • Kalaja e Ali Pashës, SH81, Ksamil, 9706, AL

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain around the castle can be uneven and rocky.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the unique architecture of the castle.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Ali Pasha's Castle via public transport, take a local bus from Ksamil towards Butrint. Buses depart roughly every 30-60 minutes from the main road in Ksamil and cost approximately 100 Lek (€0.80). Ask the driver to drop you off at the car park for Ali Pasha's Castle, about 1 minute before Butrint. From there, local boatmen offer rides to the island for around 2500 Lek per boat, which includes the return trip.

  • Walking

    If you are near Ksamil, you can walk along the coast towards SH81, following signs for Ali Pasha's Castle. The walk is about 1.5 kilometers and takes approximately 20 minutes. Upon reaching the car park at the entrance of Butrint, you'll find local boatmen offering rides to the castle for around 2500 Lek per boat, including the return trip.

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Discover more about Ali Pasha's Castle

Ali Pasha's Castle, known locally as Kalaja e Ali Pashës, is a historical fortress located on a small island at the mouth of the Vivari Channel, near Ksamil. The castle's strategic position, where Lake Butrint connects to the Ionian Sea, has made it a site of interest throughout history. Originally built by the Venetians in the late 15th or early 16th century, the castle served as a stronghold to protect their interests in the area. The Venetians aimed to exploit the fishing, grazing, olives, and timber resources around Butrint. The castle was a focal point in conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, changing hands several times. In 1798, a retreating French army destroyed it to prevent it from falling into Ali Pasha's control. Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, an Albanian ruler who governed as an autonomous Ottoman pasha, seized the castle around 1804. He significantly strengthened the structure, adding gun batteries to control access from the sea to Butrint. The current fortress was rebuilt in 1819 with three towers and served as Ali Pasha's second residence until 1820. The castle's rectangular design features towers with guns at each corner. Today, Ali Pasha's Castle is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Butrint National Park. The castle is freely accessible, and boat rides are available from the car park at the entrance of the Butrint archaeological site. The site offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding landscape, providing a serene and picturesque setting for exploration and photography.

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