Villages of Himara

Old Himara 

Old Himara and the Castle, otherwise known as Barbakas, are in themselves important monument which testifies to the human presence in the Himara region of 3500 years. It has existed since the middle of the century. of IV BC. Himara, is included in the Epirot tribe of the Caons and is mentioned in some ancient writings of Homer, the Greek geographer Strabo, Pliny, the English scholar N. Hammond, etc. Historical facts show that Himara is often referred to by the name or toponym Chimera, which represented a mythological being.

In the whole area of ​​Himara, you find worked and carved stones. The stones are carved in the form of animals and plants for religious and superstitious effects. The crowns of the entrances and gates are decorated with various motifs, as are the corners of the windows and houses. The architectural area of ​​Himara Castle has been declared a cultural monument. Anyone who wants to knows Himara should definitely visit the castle and the old village.

Village of Dhërmi 

The picturesque village of Dhërmi is located on the slope of the mountain, among the oldest villages in the area, with characteristic stone constructions. Historical data suggest that this village on the Albanian coast has been inhabited since ancient times. The village is a historical center and protected area, it consists of three large neighborhoods. 

The typical houses of Dhërmi, made of stone, with regular volumes and shapes, tiled roofs, frames with hewn stones and wooden windows, are a worthy representation of the traditional architecture of the entire Himara region. An interesting detail, which is noticed even today, is that the houses do not occupied the light of each other, from each of them you see unique views. 

Dhërmiu is characterized especially by the high number of cults of the Orthodox faith, over 30 cult objects, categorizing it as the village with more cult objects.

Village of Vuno 

Vuno is one of those villages that contributes greatly to the surrounding area with its history, protagonism in the great events of the nation, as well as its impact on the national culture. The village is located on the shoulders of Mjegullosh Mountain. Characteristic are the stone houses built compacted with each other on the side of the mountain, traditional stone buildings which appear mostly as residential complexes. The cobbled streets, the rugged terrain and the stairs stand out as soon as you start walking around the picturesque village, often even winding under the arches on which the houses stand.

Throughout the village can be seen the homes of many patriotic and education-loving figures. Every house or residential complex has a remarkable history and figure. Vuno’s history is enriched by a long list of national heroes, whose names are located above the obelisk in the center of the village, known as Heroes’ Square.

Village of Pilur 

The village of Pilur, located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, is also known as the “Balcony of the Coast” due to the breathtaking view of the coast. In the center of the village is the “St. Kolli Forest”, according to the church located nearby. The oaks bio-monument has scientific values for biology, but also aesthetic, environmental, educational, and religious values.

In the center of this small village is a plane tree, under the shade of which men and women were said to sit to sing traditional “labe” songs of Kaonic origin, and where the whole village usually gathered for assembly. Residents have always taken care of the longevity of the tree because it cannot grow on its own in height. The dedication of the natives can also be seen in the enthusiastic preservation of their traditional homes. The houses are located around the center, near which is the forest placed as a crown.