Kardhiq Castle

Kardhiq Castle, locally known as Kalaja e Kardhiqit, lies in the hamlet of the same name, in the county of Gjirokastër in Albania.

Kardhiq Castle was built between the late 14th and the early 15th century by the feudal Zenebishi family to counter the threat of Ottoman incursions in the area. By 1431/2, however, it was in Turkish hands and mentioned for the first time.

The castle was restored in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Ioannina, an Albanian ruler who ruled as a very autonomous and quasi-independent Ottoman pasha. Its main, polygonal, tower is very similar to those of other castles of Ali Pasha, like Libohovë.

The castle is situated on a hill, looking out over the valley of the Kardhiq River. It has a pentagonal plan with 5 corner towers, 2 of which are polygonal while the others are rectangular. The main tower has a curious smooth band around it. I have no idea of its function or origin; a result of later repairs, the site of a former inscription? If you know, please mail me.

Kardhiq Castle is freely accessible, but you will have to find the small path between the village structures. A nice but rather overgrown castle ruin.

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