TIRANA, May 1 /ATA/ – Perched atop a panoramic hill overlooking the coast, just 3 kilometers from the coastal city of Vlorë, Kaninë Castle is preparing to reopen to local and international visitors during this year’s tourist season following an extensive restoration project that has also revealed new archaeological discoveries.
Restoration works began in May last year with funding from the Albanian Development Fund and Cultural Heritage Without Borders Albania.
Orges Feimi, director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlorë, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that restoration work is expected to be completed within the next two months, with interventions focused primarily on geological stabilization and conservation measures.
New functional spaces are already taking shape within the castle walls, including an information office, visitor service facilities, an open-air theater, and upgraded entrances equipped with orientation signage.
“These interventions aim not only to preserve the site’s heritage values, but also to transform the castle into a complete cultural experience,” Feimi said.
Beyond its historical and archaeological significance, Kaninë Castle is expected to become one of the most attractive destinations for visitors to the southern coastal city.
According to Feimi, the increase in visitor numbers in recent years has also been supported by the reconstruction of the road leading to the village of Kaninë.
During the restoration process, archaeologists uncovered new evidence shedding light on the site’s layered history.
Archaeologist Surja Lela told ATA that excavations carried out as part of geological studies revealed two Ottoman-era structures extending to a depth of 3.2 meters below ground level.
“The archaeological material consists mainly of ceramics, while two stone cannonballs were also discovered within the layers, clearly indicating the circumstances surrounding the destruction of these structures,” Lela said.
According to him, the newly uncovered area near the surrounding wall will be fully restored and left accessible to visitors.
“We believe the entire interior surface of the castle contains residential structures from different historical periods,” Lela explained. “This is confirmed by surveys conducted across various parts of the site, where we have uncovered building foundations, cobblestone streets, medieval drainage systems, and other remains. All discovered structures will be carefully restored and integrated into the archaeological site, further enriching archaeological tourism.”
Kaninë is considered one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites, with origins dating back to the Illyrian urban period and evidence of uninterrupted habitation across centuries. Its archaeological layers and architectural features reflect this long historical continuity.
The castle also holds major historical and cultural significance as the site where Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg was crowned Prince of Arbëria in 1451.
Over the centuries, the fortress was visited by Suleiman the Magnificent and became associated with prominent historical figures including Gjergj Arianiti, Donika Kastrioti, influential Ottoman-era pashas, and Ismail Qemali.
Its architectural structure evokes similarities with other major Albanian fortresses, including the castles of Berat Castle and Durrës Castle.
Situated 380 meters above sea level and covering an area of 3.6 hectares, the castle offers sweeping panoramic views over Vlorë and its bay.
As history and nature converge on the hills above the Adriatic coast, Kaninë Castle is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors-not only as a monument of the past, but as a living destination where new stories continue to emerge every day.
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