According to tradition, Ali Pasha built the castle for his sister Shanisha, who had married in Libohovë, and she lived here until her death; her grave lies near the town. Overlooking the whole Drino valley, the fortress held a strategic position, and it is now protected as a cultural monument.
What survives is a large enclosure of tall stone walls with polygonal corner towers, while the residence that once stood inside has gone. From the castle there are sweeping views across the Drino valley. In the town below, look for the great plane tree in the centre, protected as a natural monument, and the cool springs that have long made Libohovë a green, well-watered place.
Easily combined with the Byzantine church at Labovë e Kryqit, Libohovë makes a rewarding excursion from Gjirokastër.
