Southeast of Vlore is a sprawling hilltop fortress that was constructed in the 4th century BC when this region was settled by Ancient Greek tribes.
It stands on Shushica Mountain, 380 metres above sea level and covers almost 4,000 hectares, protecting the modern Kanine village.
In the year 500 the Byzantine emperor Justinian I rebuilt the settlement and the castle remained in use for at least the next century, serving as a stronghold for the Principality of Valona in medieval times, back when Vlore was a vassal of the Serbian Empire.
