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Ruins of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra spread across a rocky hillside under blue sky
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Culture· Këlcyrë

Sarajet e Ali Bej Këlcyra

Sarajet are a grand 19th-century complex built by the Muzaka family, notable for their impressive size and architecture. Burned in 1914, they remain striking ruins on the slope of Mount Trebeshinë at the entrance to the Këlcyrë Gorge.

It rises on the rocky face of Mount Trebeshinë, at the entrance to the Këlcyrë Gorge. The founder of the Këlcyra family's palaces is thought to have been Teodor from the Muzakaj family. The palaces (Sarajet) were built in the mid-19th century and are one of the largest buildings in Albania. It is a large, majestic building with 8 large four-story towers each and an underground floor. The building alone has an area of 3000 m². Burned by the Greeks in April 1914, for more than a century these ruins have remained majestic on the slope of Mount Trebeshinë.

Photos

Aerial view of ruined stone towers of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra on a hillside
Crumbling stone walls and towers of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra seen from above
Stone towers and fortified walls of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra with snowy peak behind
Ruined towers and walls of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra above a village
Top-down drone view of the roofless ruins of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra
Overhead view of broken stone walls of the Sarajet of Ali Bej Këlcyra on rocky ground

Tours that visit this place

Hiking

Këlcyrë Tour

Discover Këlcyrë in a full-day experience combining history, hiking, traditional village life, local gastronomy and breathtaking landscapes.

Full day EasyFrom €40
Culture

Monuments

Discover Këlcyrë's ancient castle, the grand Sarajes of Ali Bey, stone village alleys, and centuries-old churches on a guided walk through 2,000+ years of history.

2-3 hours Easy€20–35