Lëkurësi Castle, Sarandë, Albania

Lëkurësi Castle is on a strategic hill point overlooking the town of Saranda, southeast of the town centre. From here one can control the whole town as well as the islands of Ksamil. The castle was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent who had attacked Corfu and needed to control the harbor of Saranda and the road that connected it with Butrint.

The region traditionally belonged to the southern part of the region of Himara. At the end of the 18th century the castle was attacked by Ali Pasha of Ioannina and the surrounding habitation raided.

The castle used to withhold the old Lëkurës village. It has a square shape with two round towers on its north-western and south-eastern corners. To climb up to the castle, visitors need to leave the main road on Qafë Gjashtë and go up the town hill from the other side of the town.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Albania

User Reviews

Irene Larsen (13 months ago)
The view is breathtaking. The castle it self is interesting but we were more intrigued by The Monastry of the 40 Saints, which we had visited the day before. We walked up the hill. It is a steep walk, but very beatiful.

Paniti Marta (13 months ago)
Awesome viewpoint! The castle is beautiful and there is a beautiful restaurant too. The view is gorgeous from here!

ar ga (13 months ago)
Wow. Just fantastic place to visit. Amazing views all round. Restaurant was great to brilliant food, Live music, A bit pricey but worth every penny. Don't miss it.

Gypsy Starr (13 months ago)
Stop in and enjoy a local Albanian beer! Best views of Sarande. The only part of the castle you can view is the cafe though, the rest is in ruins. Pro tip - don't try to walk it, take a taxi. It's at least a mile straight uphill. Get a taxi from the port (they'll even wait for you while you view it and have a drink)

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