The city of Vlora dates back to the 4th century. In ancient times the
city started as a port, and was known under the name of Aulona, famous
for its olive groves and vineyards. After the fall of Apollonia and Orichum, it became the principal port
of Illyria. In the fifth century Aulona was the centre of diocese. The
emigrations of barbarians damaged it badly and brought the withdrawal
of the city deeper in land.
During the Middle Ages the city was fused into one with the fortress of
Kanina, which is situated a few kilometres to the south east.
In 272 Vlora was incorporated into the kingdom of Arberia. In the
fourteenth century, Byzantine armies visited it again, the Serbs as
well as the feudal lords of the Balshas from north Albania.
At the fourteenth century, Vlora became an important trading and
handicraft centre noted apart from wines and salt, for its swords, its
ships and its silk.
The Turks invasion took place in 1417. In 1531 Sultan Sulejmani built a
fortress, which is believed to have been designed by the architect
Sinani.
By the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Vlora had again become an
important economic centre and port it was taken by Ali Pasha Tepelena
in 1812.
The city is of great importance for modern Albanian history because it
was here in 1912 that the Assembly first proclaimed the independence of
Albania from five centuries of Ottoman occupation. Commemorating this
historical event is the "Monument of Independence" rising at the "Flag
Square". At this time Vlora became the capital of the country. The
government, headed by Ismail Qemali, remained there until January, l914
Vlora was occupied by the Italian troops in 1914 during the first World
War, but they were driven from the main land in 1920, by a volunteer
army. Reoccupied by Italians in 1939, and by the Germans in 1943. Vlora
was liberated in October l5, l944.
Vlora Guide with the assistance of the The Albanian Institute of
Tourism & Environmental Developments & World66 Travel guide
Photos: Ministri of Tourism of Albania
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Last Updated ( Monday, 18 April 2005 )
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