Kalaja Trekëndore e Vivarit – Family Art Guides

The Triangular Castle of Vivari

The Triangular Castle of Vivari is a fortress on the Butrint Peninsula and is located on the southern shore of the Vivari Channel. It is known by this name due to its triangular shape. Round towers were built at all three of its corners, with the southwestern one still preserved at its full height. The first construction phase, in the 13th-14th centuries, includes only the castle walls, traces of some internal buildings, and gun ports with roof tiles in the shape of a roof. In a second phase, the two-story southwestern tower was built. Meanwhile, the other two towers, similar in construction technique, shape, and internal architecture, belong to a third construction period. The fourth construction phase (17th-18th centuries) includes the internal spaces supported by the southern and western walls.

The castle is located near the Venetian Acropolis Castle. In 1386, the Venetians bought the land around Butrint from the Angevins, and the castle was built at the highest point of the Peninsula, where it was easiest to defend. After a period of battles between the Republic of Venice and the Ottomans, this castle remained abandoned until the creation of the Venetian Triangular Castle, which was built in its current form in the 15th century, beyond the Vivari Channel as a replacement settlement after the abandonment of the previous castle. The castle had fishing traps to protect the important food and income source and controlled the area's trade exchanges.

Where?

The castle is located on the Butrint Peninsula, on the southern shore of the Vivari Channel, just a few kilometers away from the beautiful towns of the Riviera; Saranda and Ksamil.

Who?

In 1386, the Venetians purchased the land surrounding Butrint from the Angevins, and the castle was built at the highest point of the peninsula, where it was easier to defend.

What?

A triangular-shaped field castle with round towers built at each of its three corners, with the southwestern tower preserved at its full height.

Why?

The castle was designed to protect important fishing traps, a crucial source of food and income, and to control the area's trade exchanges.

How?

The castle is located near the Venetian Castle of the Acropolis, serving as a replacement settlement after the abandonment of the previous castle.

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