The Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, shared stunning aerial views today on social media of the Fortress of Vivari, also known as Ali Pasha’s Castle in Butrint, Saranda.

The fortress is a rectangular structure built by Ali Pasha in Butrint, near the mouth of the Vivari Canal.

Constructed around the 1800s, the fortress was designed to prevent the landing of French troops from Corfu.

The castle measures 20 x 30 meters and features four towers positioned at its corners. Two of the sea-facing towers are circular, while the other two, on the opposite side, are rectangular.

Among these, the main gate of the fortress is located. Another narrower gate was opened in the middle of the northern wall, facing the canal’s shore. The defense mechanism of this gate is particularly noteworthy. Besides the two towers protecting it from the outside, it also has an internal fortification system.

The fortress can only be reached by boat, as it is surrounded by water.

/k.s/