[4] Due to its strategic position, the shores of Porto Palermo have been utilized for defensive purposes from antiquity to World War II.

It is situated in the closed bay of Porto Palermo, a few kilometers south of Himarë, and makes nearly an island that is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.

The fort served as former Soviet submarine base during the communist regime in Albania, and nowadays its semi abandoned tunnel and barrack attract attention of visitors, as well as the stronghold walls and gates built by the powerful Ali Pasha of Ioannina.

[9] François Pouqueville in 1806 reports, "The tower or fort stands on the southern point of the entrance, connected with the continent by a low narrow isthmus.

It consists of a square with bastions, having a few guns, of no service either to command the entrance or to protect the shipping at anchor.