The first period, which lies around 300 AD, is classified by old stones recycled from antique buildings.
Part of this first construction period is also an army barrack which was found beneath the foundations of a basilica of the 5th century AD.
They were made by two praesides of the province of Epirus Vetus, Valerius Cassianus and Julius Lepidus, and were dedicated to the emperors Licinius and Constans II.
This is seen as a proof that the construction of the castle lay in the hands of the provincial government.
The main gate of the castle lies on the western side and is roughly 2.9 m wide.
The castle also has two minor gates which lie in the north and right next to the Drino in the east.