Bashtovë Castle

Bashtovë Castle, locally known as Kalaja e Bashtovës, lies west of the village of Vilë-Bashtovë, in the county of Tirana in Albania.

Bashtovë Castle was built by the Venetians between 1467 and 1478, most probably over an existing former Byzantine fortification, dating back to the 6th century. It was built on a fertile plain near the mouth of the Shkumbin River into the Adriatic Sea, perhaps to protect the grain trade for which the area was known.

The castle was, however, first mentioned only in 1521 as Pastova on a map by the Ottoman admiral Piri Reis. By that time, it had already been taken over by the Ottoman Empire.

Archaeological research showed that the corner towers first only had a defensive function, but later were adopted to house soldiers. Also, a mosque was built over the main gate. It has a rectangular plan with corner towers and 2 wall towers.

Bashtovë Castle is on Albania's tentative list for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

When I visited, the castle was undergoing repairs and was therefore not accessible. Too bad, but its interior is empty anyway. Still, a beautiful castle.

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