Durrës Castle (Angevin Watchtower)

Castle in Durrës

Durres Castle

Durrës Castle is one of the city’s most important historical landmarks, representing centuries of fortification and urban defense. Originally built by the Byzantines in the 6th century under Emperor Anastasius I, the castle was designed to protect the city from invasions along the Adriatic coast. Over the centuries, it was expanded and reinforced by successive rulers, including the Venetians, Ottomans, and Angevins, creating a layered structure that reflects the city’s long and tumultuous history. The castle complex includes walls, gates, towers, and bastions, many of which were adapted over time to respond to evolving military technology and threats. Walking along the ramparts today offers views of the city, the harbor, and the Adriatic Sea, giving visitors a sense of the strategic significance of Durrës through the ages.

Within this fortified complex, the Angevin Watchtower stands out as a particularly important feature. Built during the period when the Angevins controlled parts of Albania in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the tower served as a lookout and defensive stronghold. Its elevated position along the castle walls allowed guards to monitor the coastline for approaching ships or armies, giving defenders a tactical advantage in protecting the city. The tower’s thick stone construction and narrow observation slits illustrate the military architecture of the period, designed to provide both visibility and protection.

Today, visitors to Durrës Castle can explore the Angevin Watchtower as part of a walking tour of the fortifications. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the city, the port, and the surrounding coastline, while examining the tower itself provides insight into the defensive strategies employed by medieval rulers. The Angevin Watchtower, together with the castle’s other structures, offers a tangible link to the city’s medieval past, highlighting Durrës’ enduring importance as a fortified Adriatic hub and giving visitors a deeper appreciation of its layered historical heritage.

The Durrës Castle (Angevin Watchtower) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Durrës!

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