Libohovë

Libohovë
Municipality
Libohovë
Coordinates: 40°2′N 20°16′E / 40.033°N 20.267°ECoordinates: 40°2′N 20°16′E / 40.033°N 20.267°E
Country  Albania
County Gjirokastër
Government
  Mayor Altin Como (PD)
Elevation 408 m (1,339 ft)
Population (2011)
  Total 1,992
Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal code 6003
Area code 0881
Car plates GJ

Libohovë is a municipality in southern Albania.[1] The population at the 2011 census was 1,992.[2] Libohovë is dominated by an impressive fortress, Libohovë Castle. In addition it has a pleasant and leafy main street with extensive views looking west across the Drino valley. To reach the town travel approximately 15 km south from Gjirokastra, take the sign-posted road to the east across the valley, this takes you directly to the town. Libohovë is nestled at the foot of the Bureto Mountain. The archaeological evidence indicates a very ancient settlement which reached its zenith in the 17th-century. It is the home of a well-known Albanian noble family who share their name with the town. Prior to the communist era they held considerably sway over the country’s politics.The castle is a substantial fortress with four polygonal corner towers and a curtain wall surrounding a wide courtyard. The sister of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, Shanica, married one of the most important members of the Libohovë family and the castle was the dowry that Ali Pasha presented to her. It is possible to visit the grave of Ali Pasha’s sister; you will need to ask in the town for directions.In the town centre is a beautiful old plane tree around which a bar-restaurant has been built providing a very pleasant place for refreshments. Also in the centre is the house of Myfit Bey Libohovë (1876–1927), a renowned politician, the first Minister of Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs serving on the new Albanian Government of 1912. The building can be easily identified as it is bigger and rather more impressive than the rest of the neighbourhood.

Places of interest

Notable people

Moikom Zeqo, former Minister of Culture, Writer.

References