Lekuresi Castle was built by Suleiman the Magnificent
Lekuresi Castle (Alb. Kalaja e Lëkurësit) is located on a dominant elevation above the city of Saranda in southern Albania on the coast of the Ionian Sea. From here they could control the whole city, Ksamil, but also the Greek island of Corfu.
Lekuresi Castle, Photo: Pasztilla¨aka Attila Terbócs
Historical facts say that it was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to defend against the Venetians and control the approach to the city and port of Saranda. There was a military garrison of 220 soldiers in the castle.
Lekuresi Castle is quadrangular in shape with two round towers at the northwest and southeast corners. At the end of the 18th century, the castle was attacked by the Albanian feudal lord Ali Pasha of Ioannina who ravaged the surrounding settlements. After that, the castle gradually became a ruin.
The Lekuresi castle was renovated, and it houses a famous restaurant and catering establishment with an unforgettable view from its terrace.
Lekuresi Castle, restaurant, Photo: Pasztilla¨aka Attila Terbócs
To climb up to Lekuresi Castle visitors should leave the main road at Qafë Gjashët and climb the town hill on the other side of town.
Zoran Kovačić
I do miracles right away, but the impossible still takes me a little time!
Comments
Zoran Kovačić
Dear Penny. Thanks for the additional clarification and update. I didn’t know that or read it anywhere else. Regarding the year you mentioned, I assume you meant 1997.
Penny Munden
One little bit of the castle’s history you’ve missed out is that,during the communist times and up till 1997, the castle was a military installation. A friend of mine did his military service up there and had to monitor all the planes flying in and out of Corfu, presumably to check for any Western espionage. In 1197 during the anarchy, like many other military bases, it was abandoned and was later restored and became a restaurant.