The Castle of Borsh

"The first habitation dates back to the 4th century BC, the time of the Epirote tribe of the Chaonians. The castle is thought to have been built out over 4 subsequent phases, during the Byzantine period and the Middle Ages. In medieval times, the castle was referred to as Sopot Castle. The earliest written documentation of Borsh Castle dates back to early 13th century, when archbishop Demetrios Chomatenos wrote about the “archonship of Sopotos”. The castle has changed hands many times over the centuries, causing devere damage to the structure. When the the castle fell into Ottoman hands in the 15th century, a deep restoration took place and the Haxhi Bendo Mosque was added. The mosque was named after Haxhi Bendo Vasil, who was born in Borsh and serviced under the Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha of Tepelena. During the ban on religion in the communist era, the mosque was severely damaged and part of the minaret went missing. Unfortunately no attempts have been made yet for a restoration of the castle and its mosque."