Tepelena Castle
Ali Pasha's hilltop residence
Tepelenë
Southern HighlandsTepelenë
About
This large hilltop fortress was expanded in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Ioannina to serve as his residence. The poet Lord Byron visited it in 1809.
Practical info
- Best Season
- April – October
- Typical visit
- 1–2.5 hours
- Outdoor
Did You Know?
The powerful Ottoman-era ruler Ali Pasha made this hilltop fortress above the Vjosa one of his main residences, expanding its walls to widths of up to 5 metres, though it was left unfinished when he died in 1822.