Kanine Castle

Castle in Vlorë

Kaninë Castle is situated above the village of Kaninë about 6 KM from Vlorë. The castle was built in the 3rd century BC on the site of an ancient settlement. 100 years later the castle was changed into a fortress town. It would have served as a military post initially for the Roman Empire. In the 6th century A.D. the castle was reconstructed by Justinian I as part of program to strengthen the defenses of the Balkan Region.

In 733 ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the former Praetorian prefecture of Illyricum is transferred to the patriarch of Constantinople. In the 11th and 12th centuries Vlorë played a central role in the conflicts between the Norman Kingdom of Sicily and the Byzantine Empire. The castle was the center of the Principality of Valona in the 14th century. In the 13th century the Principality of Valona, on the coast of modern Albania, was frequently contested over between the Byzantines and various Italian forces. Lastly, Byzantium conquered in ca. In 1290, it was one of the Balkans ‘ main imperial holdings.

It sits 380 metres above sea level on Shushica Hill, and covers nearly 4,000 acres, covering the small Kanine town.

The Kanine Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Vlorë!

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Visiting Kanine Castle

Address: Kaninë Albania

Nearby Attractions

Tours and Activities from Vlorë

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