Tepelenë (Tepelene), Albania

Tepelenë (Tepelene) highlights

Tepelene is a historic town well know as the birth place of Ali Pasha, Vizier of Ioannina (1741-1822). The castle, completed in 1819, was built by Ali Pasha to enclose his palaces, is the most important monument in Tepelene.

Other places we know in Albania

Apollonia - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Berat - Known for architecture, bridge, byzantine empire, castle, historical center, medieval old town, museum, river, venetian empire; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Durrës (Durres) - Known for archaeological site, architecture, beach, marina, venetian empire; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Gjirokastër (Gjirokaster) - Known for fortress, historical center, medieval old town, museum, viewpoint; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Krujë (Kruje) - Known for castle, historical center, museum

Last reviewed: 2 December 2020

Tepelenë (Tepelene) description

Tepelene, the birthplace of Ali Pasha, was one of his favorite locations. The Byzantines built here a defensive tower which was successively developed during the Ottoman Empire epoch in the 15th century. The castle Ali Pasha built did not have a regular architectural shape, and its walls follow the natural form of the terrain. Three castle towers provided additional protection for the fortress and better control of the area. The gate of one tower, the eastern, bears the inscription "The gate of Vezir". The castle covers an area of 4-5 hectares, and has three entrances guarded by towers lead into its interior.

The castle is located in the northern part of the city, in a geographic position that helps protect the city. Historical sources says that the castle was envisioned by Ali Pasha himself and he supervized the first stages of construction of this pearl of the region.

The castle attracts tourists wanting to explore its remains and admire the beautiful views from its summit. The castle area is inhabited, which is why the courtyard was divided and single-family houses, which makes the castle unusual compared to other strongholds.

If look down from the castle, possible will see a pedestrian bridge across the river that rests on a number of very old stone piers. The original bridge was built by Ali Pasha as a gift to his town. If cross the bridge and take the path up to the village of Becisht, is possible to reach the birth place of Ali Pasha. The remains of his house are still visible.

Ali Pasha always has been seen as a tyrant and despot. He was a firm but far-sighted ruler who encouraged trade and industry and suppressed brigandage. He was a famous figure internationally, with diplomatic contacts across Europe. Much has been written about him in the past and he was a pivotal character in Alexander Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo.

The famous English poet and writer George Gordon Byron was the guest of Ali Pasha, and as result wrote a poem about the hospitality of the Albanian people.

Tepelenë (Tepelene) related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Tepelenë (Tepelene) during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Tepelenë (Tepelene).

We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Tepelenë (Tepelene). But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

Off-season Greece+Albania UNESCO places 26 days tour from Athens. Visit most of UNESCO Greece+Albania places. tour starts in: Athens, Greece tour finishes in: Athens, Greece tour duration: 26 days (25 nights) tour countries: Albania, Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Apollonia, Argos, Arta, Berat, Butrint, Corinth, Delphi, Dodoni, Epidaurus, Gjirokastër, Hosios Loukas, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kaninë, Lamia, Larissa, Livadeia, Lëkurësi, Mesolongi, Messene, Meteora, Mycenae, Mystras, Nafpaktos, Nafplio, Olympia, Patras, Porto Palermo, Rio, Sparta, Tepelenë, Thermopylae, Trikala The off-season tour 26 days tour started in Athens cover most of UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites in 2 countries, Greece and Albania. Additionally, the tour cover several places in Greece that submitted to the UNESCO tentative list. Visiting UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites in Greece. This off-season tour will allow you to visit not only some of Greece's eighteen UNESCO World Heritage sites but also some of the country's fourteen sites in the UNESCO tentative list, together with other top destinations across this beautiful Mediterranean land. Come and visit this stunning country in the off-peak months! You will quickly understand why Greece is much more than just a perfect summer destination. Greece is a truly year-round destination! It boasts plenty of things to do: from fascinating museums to imposing archaeological sites, and from mouthwatering gastronomy to perfect- picture villages and towns. Greece is the ideal destination if you enjoy nature and dramatic landscapes, regardless the time of the year you plan to visit it.

off-season only tour 26 days Price from € 3,681   View tour details Request this tour