Vlorë dates back to the 6th century B.C. Located just 50 miles from the boot heel of Italy and 100 miles north of Greece, the influence of both those countries is present in the wonderful cuisine. The predominant religions are Islam and Christianity, so you’ll hear the call to prayer from the local mosque as well as the bells of the Catholic church ringing in the hour.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a climb, stroll through olive groves as you head up to Kaninë Castle (or take a taxi for just a few dollars, if you’re not feeling up for the climb). You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the city and Vlorë bay, but don’t be surprised if you see horses and cows strolling the roads alongside you—it’s not uncommon for a few to get loose and head out on an afternoon walk.
Founded in the 6th century BC and known in ancient times as Aulona, Vlorë is located in one of the most beautiful locations in southern Albania in the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It is a must for all visitors. You will find there incredible beaches with turquoise waters, stunning mountains, a rich history to explore, delicious local foods prepared to perfection, loads of outdoor activities, vibrant markets, and above all, the most sincere and caring people you’d ever hope to meet. Your stay in Vlora will be a meeting-point between nature, culture and history!
Apart from the heavenly beaches and natural attractions, the town has a particular historical importance to Albania, having hosted its first national assembly where Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire on 28 November 1912. To find out more about this, you can visit the National Museum of Independence. The building hosted the operations of the first Albanian government. It is strategically positioned in a location that testifies to its significance, near the port, with a beautiful view of the sea.
From there you can visit the Muradie Mosque, one of the most elegant Ottoman monuments of the country. It was erected in 1542 by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent as a tribute to his predecessor Murad II, it was designed by Mimar Siman (c. 1488-1588), the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire. The Muradie Mosque is famous for its intricate brick work. It consists of a prayer hall and a carved stone minaret.
In 1967, when the communist regime barred all mosque and churches in town, the Mosque of Muradie changed its functionality, becoming the Museum of Architecture of Vlore district.
More than anywhere else in Albania, the city is the best example of religious harmony in Albania. Next to the Muradie Mosque is the Jewish street, paying homage to the country’s jewish population. Vlore was center of Albanian Jewish life since the 15th century, when the Jews from the Iberian Peninsula arrived in its shores escaping the Spanish Inquisition.
Moving up on the Kuzum Baba hill, 30m above sea level, on a terrace carved out by sea waters, do not miss the Kuz Baba Tekke dating from 1600. The tekke has developed its activity in every period and today, it is one of the most important centers for the Bektashi Dedelik of Vlora and all of Albania.
Below are some of the historical and cultural treasures in and around Vlorë.
Ancient city of Oricum
Founded in the 1st millennium BC by the Ancient Greeks from Euboea, Oricum in Latin, or Orikos in Greek, was already known as a highly strategic port city well before the Romans occupied and used it as a port of disembarkation for their military troops. It became a bridgehead between Italy and this whole part of the Balkan region.
Of the many archaeological treasures in Albania, the ancient port of Oricum is arguably one of the most intriguing. This forgotten city played a crucial role in Julius Caesar’s ascent to total domination. Archaeologists are only now scratching the surface of the site’s potential.
Zvernec Monastery
Located in Narta Lagoon, north of Vlora, 156 km away from Tirana, between the salt plains and the coastal dunes of the Adriatic coast, the small island can be reached through a newly renovated causeway. The island is covered with pine forest and it’s home to an old Byzantine monastery dedicated to Saint Mary. Historians say that it was built between the 10th and the 13th centuries. It is a peaceful and picturesque site, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Pilgrims and believers visit the island every August 15, when the feast of the Dormition of Theotokos is celebrated.
An important fact is that Marigo Pozio, the woman that embroidered the Albanian raised by Ismail Qemali in Vlora on November 28, 1912, is buried on the island at the cemetery of the Monastery.
Kalaja e Kaninës
The ruins of Kaninë (Kanina) Castle lay on the outskirts of Vlora and overlook a large stretch of Albania’s coast.
Kanina was originally a secured settlement for the Amantes tribal community and played a strategic part in overseeing the Bay of Vlora. Later on, a castle was erected before eventually becoming a fortified town. Gradually throughout the Middle Ages it turned more towards being a religious complex.
The castle has seen its fair share of rulers, just like the region itself. It’s been a part of the Byzantine, Norman, Serbian, and Ottoman possessions. The latter forced the previous rulers to seek shelter on the nearby island of Corfu.
Kalaja e Gjon Bocarit
The castle was built by the Boçari family, one of the main Albanian families of Tragjas, in the 16th and expanded in the 17th century. It is built on a dominating hill above the plain of Dukat, Tragjas and the village of Radhima , controlling the coast and the roads that lead to the neck of Llogara and that of Saint Gjergji.
Porto Palermo Castle
The Porto Palermo Castle is located on a small island in the Bay of Palermo, between Qeparo and Himara, around 45 kilometers from Saranda. It was built in the 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena. However, many historians claim that the castle was built way earlier by the Venetians, due to its similar triangular shape with round towers, like the Venetian Triangle Castle at Butrint.
In the ancient world, the bay of Porto Palermo has always been an important harbor which had to protect Himara. During and after World War II the castle has been used as a prison and a shelter for military units. In 1948 Porto Palermo Castle was declared a ‘Cultural Monument’ and nowadays serves as a museum.
Marmiroi church
Marmiroi Church is definitely along the path less traveled, but that is precisely what makes this 12th century Christian church unique. The church is first noted in historical records dating as far back as 1307. Although this church has some structural similarities to churches in Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia, some researchers have pushed its potential construction date further back to the 12th or even 10th century AD.
Getting to this little church requires some effort and a sense of adventure. Once you get away from the center of town in Orikum and you are surrounded by the impressive mountains, all of your trekking efforts are quickly rewarded. The fields surrounding the church are used as pastures by local farmers who keep flocks of sheep and cows.
Complete your visit with a tour to the Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula to relax in their wild, unspoilt beaches and swim in clear turquoise waters as well as look at the endless bunkers that still remain untouched.
- The Independent Museum
- The Historical museum
- The Ethnographic museum
- The Narta lagoon
- The Jews street
- Justin Godard street
