[1] The fortress is built on a fertile flat ground east of the mouth of the Shkumbin River.

Previously in the Middle Ages, the region of Bashtovë was known as a trade harbor and otherwise centre for the export of grains.

The initial fortress was constructed during the time when the region was part of the Venetian Empire as according to Gjerak Karaiskaj.

[3] However, Alain Ducellier has asserted that the Venetians have built over an existing former structure, which dates back to the 6th century, when the area was under the Byzantine Empire during the Justinian dynasty.

There are three entrances, from which there still are well-preserved archaeological traces they were placed at the northern, western and eastern walls.