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98-466: The largest island is Othoni , with an area of 10.8 km and it's the most populated with 457 inhabitants according to the 2021 census. The islands are the westernmost point in Greece and administratively belong to Corfu regional unit . The islands today are a tranquil place for holidays. The archipelago of Diapontia consists of 12 islands and islets. Othonoi (Greek: Οθωνοί, Italian: Fanò or Othoni)

196-695: A sanjak centre in Rumelia Eyalet under the name Avlonya . Later it become a Venetian possession in 1690 and the city was restored to the Ottomans in 1691, becoming a kaza of the Sanjak of Avlona in the vilayet (province) of Janina . At the time the city had about 10,000 inhabitants; there was a Catholic parish, which belonged to the Archdiocese of Durrës . During the early period of Ottoman rule, Vlorë became an international port centered on

294-539: A heliport for emergencies. Asphalt roads are available on many parts of the island, about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) of which are extended to settlements. There is complete electrification and a telephone network with Internet access. Vlor%C3%AB Vlorë ( / ˈ v l ɔːr ə / VLOR -ə , Albanian: [ˈvlɔɾə] ; Albanian definite form : Vlora ) is the third most populous city of Albania and seat of Vlorë County and Vlorë Municipality. Located in southwestern Albania, Vlorë sprawls on

392-683: A technological university . It retains a focus on technology, but has expanded in the areas of economics and finance, education, medicine, and law. There are three journals based in the University of Vlora. There is also a scientific journal published quarterly in Albanian: Buletini Shkencor i Universitetit te Vlorës. Since 2008 it is home to the Academicus International Scientific Journal, a peer-reviewed scientific publication in

490-743: A titular see , a suffragan bishop of Durrës , being distinguished from a Greek titular see called Aulon by the use for it of the adjective Aulonitanus , while the adjective regarding the Aulon in Euboea (Ionian Greece ) is Aulonensis . The diocese was nominally restored as Latin titular bishopric Aulon, or Valona in Curiate Italian; from 1925 it was (als) named Aulona in Latin and/or Italian, since 1933 it's only Aulon in Latin, Aulona in Italian. It

588-522: A common opinion that their roots seem to be Epirotic, Arvanitic , Aromanian and from Paxos without forgetting the Italian and Venetian influence. The main point of view of the most Diapontians the last century is that families from Paxos and Epirus immigrated Othoni. Also, the surnames around Diapontia are in some cases completely the same on each island as many Othonians immigrated the other two islands after immigrated Othoni leaving Paxos or Epurus. There are also many villages of Diapontian Islands which have

686-576: A driving force for the city's economy has become a major industry in recent years, with many hotels, recreational centers, and vast beaches. The city has a good view over the Bay of Vlorë , which is considered the frontier between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea . The Island of Sazan is in front of the city, at the entrance of the bay. Italy is just 80 kilometres (50 miles) away. Beaches close to

784-656: A high volume of trade between western Europe and the Ottoman state. In 1426, the Ottomans supported the settlement of a Jewish community involved in mercantile activities. The community underwent population growth in subsequent decades with Jews migrating from Corfu , Venetian ruled lands , Naples , France , and the Iberian Peninsula . Around seventy Jewish families from Valencia , including former conversos , settled in Vlorë between 1391 and 1492. Following

882-519: A major seaport and commercial centre, with a significant fishing and industrial sector. The surrounding region produces petroleum , natural gas , bitumen and salt . The city is also the location of important installations of the Albanian Navy . It has grown in importance as an agricultural center with a very large-scale planting of olive and fruit trees, and as a center of the food processing, oil, and bitumen export industries. Historically,

980-587: A result costing the lives of many of its Greek inhabitants. Vlorë served as capital of the Principality of Valona , initially a vassal state to the Serbian empire , and later, independent Christian state from 1346 to 1417. The Ottoman Empire captured the city in 1417, while in 1432, Albanian rebels freed Vlorë and expelled the Ottomans from the area. As part of the Ottoman Empire , Vlorë became

1078-440: A secular country with no official religion . It guarantees the freedom of religion , belief and conscience and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religious beliefs or practice. Vlorë is religiously diverse and possesses many places of worship catering to its religious population, who are traditionally adherents of Islam , Christianity , and Judaism . During the 19th and early 20th century, Albanian-speaking Muslims were

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1176-614: A strategic location, some 151 kilometres (94 miles) away from the capital Tirana . The Land and Environmental Information is located in a flat, saline land, partially covered by Soda Forest. The area is suitable for industrial and environmentally friendly development. The Industrial development inside the zone eligible activities that can be developed in TEDA are: industrial, processing, commercial, goods storage, light industry, electronics, auto parts manufacturing, and port related activities. The Labor market : Official data from 2014 reported

1274-672: A sunny climate with an average of 2,745.2 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest areas in the Eastern Mediterranean . July is the sunniest month of the year with an average of about 12 hours of sunshine a day. By contrast, the average hours of sunshine are less than 7 hours per day in January. During the 1961–1990 period, on average per year, there were 82 days with more than 1 mm (0.039 in) of rainfall, 26 days with thunders, five days with hail , and one day of snowfall. The city of Vlorë remains

1372-458: Is 16.7 °C. About 1026 mm of precipitation falls annually. A dialect is spoken resembling that of Corfu and having similar prosody. It is heavily influenced by Italian. The island is accessible by boat with regular services from Corfu port and Agios Stefanos Avliotes . There is a port in Avlakia district (with fishing port), for several small private yachts and boats.The island has

1470-545: Is 3.65 square kilometres (1 sq mi), while the municipal unit has an area of 4.449 km. The island is rich in green forests, filled with cypress, and olive trees. It has two beaches, Porto (Πόρτο) and Braghini (Μπραγκίνι); the names are of Italian origin, and date back to the period of Venetian rule. Braghini is rarely visited because it is further away from the main part of the island. Mathraki ( Greek : Μαθράκι , older form: Μαθράκιον) municipal unit has an area of 3.532 km and population of 329 (2011). Mathraki

1568-464: Is a 45-minute boat ride off the coast of Corfu (4 NM from Cape Arilas). It has three restaurants that double as general stores, villas and "rooms to let". Mathraki is a quiet island that manages to stay clear of tourists except for the occasional hikers that brave the rocky coastline. The municipal unit includes the three nearby islets Diakopo, Diaplo and Tracheia. At the beginning of the second millennium, Diapontian islands were conquered alternatively by

1666-768: Is a small inhabited Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located northwest of Corfu , and is the westernmost point of Greece . Othonoi is the largest and most populated of the Diapontian Islands . Since the 2019 local government reform it is part of the municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands . In the 19th century the island was the capital of the Diapontia Islands municipality, which also included nearby islands of Ereikoussa , Mathraki , islets and rocks of Diakopo, Diaplo, Karavi, Kastrino, Leipso, Ostrako, Plaka, Plateia and Tracheia. Othonoi

1764-486: Is a typical toponym in the Greek world. The name of the city was first recorded in the 2nd century AD, by two Ancient Greek authors, Lucian and Ptolemy , the latter calling it "town and sea-port", which confirms that it was founded much earlier. However, Aulon has not been mentioned by earlier Ancient Greek and Roman authors, who on the other hand recorded the nearby town and seaport of Oricum . But in later sources Oricum

1862-524: Is a well-known island for underwater photography because of the peculiar geomorphology of the seabed and the many caves. Other points of interest are the Moshopontikas, Xylosermi, Fyki bay (where there is the sunken wreck of Sarah ship). Othonoi was frequently visited by the French naturalist Jacques Cousteau and his exploratory vessel Calypso . The traditional trail was created and used by

1960-403: Is about 47 nautical miles from Santa Maria di Leuca cape, Italy. The first name according to ancient texts (Hesychius, 3rd cent. BC) was "Othronos" (Ὀθρωνός), "Othronoi" (Ὀθρωνοί) and by Procopius seems to be "Othonē" (Ὀθωνή) (6th c.). According to Pliny (1st cent.), it was "Thoronos" (Θόρονος). Other names were "Fidonisi" (Snake island) because of the many snakes that are said to have invaded

2058-897: Is almost completely covered by trees which produce a small species of olive , the "Elea the cherry" (Olea microcarpa), commonly Lianolia or ladoelia, with a high content of high-quality oil, which is common in all the Ionian Islands . It was densely planted during Venetian rule , so most are aged 300–400 years exceeding a height of 7 metres (23 ft). There are cypresses and fruit trees on almost all mountain slopes. The tall mulberry (or Skamnia) and fig (or Skeria) are found in nearly all districts and gardens that host many species of fruit and vegetables, and features large cabbage called by Othoniotes cramps , as in Cyprus . Most houses have, instead of tents or sheds, pergolas with vines or pergoulies. Oregano , sage and many other herbs. Othonoi

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2156-418: Is an active 19th century lighthouse. Ereikoussa ( Greek : Ερείκουσσα , Italian : Merlera ) is the second most populated island of Diapontia after Othonoi. It is the northernmost island in the group, almost equidistant from Corfu to the southeast, Mathraki to the southwest, and Othonoi to the west. The only town on the island, also named Ereikoussa, had a population of 366 at the 2021 census. Its land area

2254-713: Is encompassed in Vlorë County as part of the Southern Region of Albania and consists of the adjacent administrative units of Novoselë , Orikum , Qendër Vlorë , Shushicë and Vlorë. The municipality stretches from the mouth of Vjosë in the north along the Narta Lagoon to the Llogara Pass in the south. It also encloses the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island in the west with

2352-605: Is home to many cultural and historical sites that also relate to the founding of Albania. The Monument of Independence is located on the Flag's Square and commemorates the Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire . Museum of Independence is housed in a 19th-century building, where the founding fathers of Albania signed the Declaration of Independence. Its balcony is considered a symbol of freedom, victory and resilience of

2450-542: Is less encountered, while the toponym Aulon is more frequently mentioned. Vlorë developed from the ancient Aulon-a through the evolution of the phonetic system of the Albanian language with the rhotacism Vlonë > Vlorë , which is a pre-Slavic phenomenon in Albanian. The intervocalic /n/ has regularly evolved to /r/ in Tosk Albanian , while the initial /v/ has evolved from unstressed /u/ after

2548-591: Is significant that there is no Diapontian family without a sailor. Also, many Diapontians were senior crews in Hellenic war ships. Main maritime occupations was sailor, boatswain, master or engineer of any class. There were also many ship owners as they had a large number of yachts and commercial steamships traveling to many Mediterranean ports. Unfortunately, within these decades of history that Diapontians wrote at sea, there were some victims because of several wrecks due to sloppiness and carelessness of those responsible in

2646-506: Is the first migratory bird station in southeastern Europe from Libya , especially for turtle doves . There are also grouse and snipe (xilokotes) during the winter months, and Petritis falcons , the European bee-eater birds, martins , ravens and several species of eagles . There are several hares and rabbits . The most common species of reptile is the viper ( Vipera ammodytes or astritis). Marine mammals have been observed off

2744-459: Is the presence of barnacles and sea urchins . Zooplankton is in small coves of the island and especially in seaweed is abundant at night, and when the sea is calm, the plankton illuminates the sea bed. The climate of Othonoi is mild and generally warm and temperate. The winters are rainier than the summers. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is Csa. The average temperature in Othonoi

2842-516: Is the westernmost point of Greece and the largest of the Diapontian Islands. Othoni is divided into two regions which are Ano Panta (Greek: Άνω πάντα) and Kato Panta (Greek: Κάτω πάντα). There are more than 20 settlements. In the 19th century the island was the capital of the Diapontian Islands municipality, which also included Ereikoussa and Mathraki. Othoni is about 47 nautical miles from Santa Maria di Leuca cape, Italy. In Akro Kastri

2940-553: The Adriatic Sea , especially the Bay of Vlorë , which forms a natural harbor, Vlorë occupied a significant place in classical antiquity as a base for trade by many peoples. Vlorë is considered one of the oldest cities in Albania and the region. In the Archaic era , the area was colonized by Ancient Greeks , who are traditionally believed to have founded Orikos, Thronion and Aulon on these shores. A large fortified port-town that

3038-604: The Albanian Declaration of Independence in Vlorë, during the First Balkan War . The city became Albania's first capital following its independence. The 1914 Vlorë Raid took place that January, and was a short-lived plot to regain Albania under Ottoman control. The city was invaded by Italy in 1914 during World War I . The city remained occupied by Italian forces until an Albanian rebellion forced

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3136-528: The Albanian Renaissance with Vlorë becoming an epicenter of the movement in 1912. In 1833, Vlorë was captured by Albanian rebels forcing the Ottoman government to abolish taxes and comply to rebel requests. In 1851 it suffered severely from an earthquake. The Jewish community of Yanina renewed the Jewish community of Vlorë in the nineteenth century. On November 28, 1912, Ismail Qemali head

3234-666: The Albanians gathered both spiritual and intellectual strength for national consciousness, which conclusively led to the Albanian Renaissance . Vlorë played an instrumental role in Albanian Independence as an epicenter for the founders of modern Albania, who signed the Declaration of Independence on 28 November 1912 at the Assembly of Vlorë . Vlorë is one of the most significant cities of southern Albania and

3332-738: The Allies . After World War II, with Albania ruled by a Communist Party , the port was leased out to the Soviet Union for use as a submarine base. During 1960 and 1961 it served as a theater in the aftermath of the decision of Enver Hoxha to denounce Nikita Khrushchev's reforms. In April 1961 the Soviet Union, resenting being pushed out after considerable investment in the naval facilities at nearby Pasha Liman Base , threatened to occupy Vlora with Soviet troops, and cut off all Soviet economic, military and technical aid to Albania. The threat

3430-700: The Bay of Vlorë and is surrounded by the foothills of the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts . It experiences a Mediterranean climate , which is affected by the Ceraunian Mountains and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea . The coastal area of Vlorë was one of those Illyrian sites that had experienced pre-urban activity beginning from the 11th–10th centuries BCE. The area

3528-567: The Franks (the 11th century) and the Venetians (12th century), and often attacked by pirates of Barbary and Algeria . From the end of 1383 until 1386 the domination of Corfu was held by Charles III of Naples . In a letter from April 19, 1383, he granted the usufruct of Othonoi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Diapolo and Vido , to the knight Theodore Skaliti as fief. In 1537, the Turkish fleet under

3626-462: The Franks (the 11th century) and the Venetians (12th century), and often attacked by pirates of Barbary and Algeria . From the end of 1383 until 1386 the domination of Corfu brought by Charles III of Naples . In his letter he stated that on April 19, 1383 granted the usufruct of Othoni Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Diapolo and Vido , the knight Theodore Skaliti as fief. In 1537, the Turkish fleet under

3724-718: The Kingdom of Greece , the Ionian Islands -and Diapontian islands- passed definitively to Greek sovereignty on 21 May. On October 5, 1864, the Ionian Parliament realized the purpose of the convocation solemnly acting union with Greece as one and indivisible state under king, George I of Greece . From 1869 until 1912 Othoni, Ereikousa and Mathraki formed the municipality of Dimos Diapontion with Othoni as capital. Diapontians achieved big naval and maritime history. A lot of men were involved in shipping (1880-1990). It

3822-684: The Trojan War , Elephenor , king of Avantes, fled from Euboea to the island after the fall of Troy , to atone as he had killed his grandfather, Abas. Most Othoniotes (local dialect: Thoniotes) have migrated to Corfu, Athens, and abroad (especially to the USA) because of the unemployment and few exploitable resources (1900–1960). The main work was olive and olive oil production. Most men of that time were involved in nautical professions (sailor, bosun, carpenter, captain, skipper, etc.) and worked on commercial and warships which were operating in every part of

3920-452: The expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, the Ottoman state resettled additional Jewish exiles in Vlorë toward the end of the fifteenth century. Ottoman censuses for 1506 and 1520 recorded the Jewish population as consisting of 528 families and some 2,600 people in Vlorë. The Jews of Vlorë were involved in trade and the city imported items from Europe and exported spices , leather , cotton fabrics , velvets , brocades , and mohair from

4018-481: The 5th century. Among the known bishops are Nazarius in 458 and Soter in 553 ( Daniele Farlati , Illyricum sacrum , VII, 397–401). The diocese at that time belonged to the papal Pentarchy . In 733, it was annexed with the eastern Illyricum , to the Patriarchate of Constantinople , and yet it is not mentioned in any Notitiae Episcopatuum of that Church. The bishopric had probably been suppressed for though

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4116-741: The Albanians to prevent the occupation of their motherland. Located in a 19th-century mansion, the Ethnographic Museum close to the Museum of Independence displays the ethnographic heritage of Vlorë and its surrounding region. The History Museum at the Perlat Rexhepi Street is another museum exhibiting among others artefacts from the nearby archaeological sites of the Illyrians and Ancient Greeks. A museum dedicated to

4214-526: The Balkans. Vlorë lies on the north–south transportation corridor of Albania and is served by a network of motorways and highways connecting the city to other parts of Albania. The preceding SH8 highway , beginning from Fier , links the northern districts of Vlorë with the central and southern districts, continuing along the Albanian Riviera to Sarandë . The A2 motorway parallelly runs along

4312-656: The Bulgarians had been in possession of this country for some time, Avlona is not mentioned in the "Notitiae episcopatuum" of the Bulgarian Archbishopric of Ohrid . During the Roman period, a Latin see was established and Eubel ( Hierarchia catholica medii aevi , I, 124) mentions several of its bishops. Aulon, no longer being a residential bishopric, is today listed by the Catholic Church as

4410-524: The Diapontians origin had for sure connections with Epirus and Paxos as during his research on Diapontian Islands in 1960's found similarities between the traditional life and costumes of Diapontians with Epirots and that they are not exactly the same with the Corfiots. The last decades the connections with Epirus and Paxos are not so many as before. The islands are completely connected with Corfu as

4508-533: The English language founded by Arta Musaraj. Besides the state university there are two private universities, namely Universiteti Pavarësia Vlorë and Akademia e Studimeve të Aplikuara "Reald", which started as primary school and high school, and since 2011 operates also as a university. As per the Institute of Statistics estimate from the 2011 census, there were 79,513 people residing in Vlorë and 104,827 in

4606-583: The Italians out of Albania in 1920. Italy invaded Vlorë again in 1939. The city remained under Italian occupation until Italy surrendered to the allies in 1943. Subsequently, Nazi Germany occupied the city until 1944. The city was liberated in 1944 by communist forces under Enver Hoxha . During the World War II , Sazan Island became the site of a German and Italian submarine base and naval installations; these installations were heavily bombed by

4704-665: The Ottoman cities of Istanbul and Bursa . The Vlorë Jewish community took an active role in the welfare of other Jews such as managing to attain the release of war related captives present in Durrës in 1596. After the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and the deterioration of security along the Ottoman controlled Adriatic and Ionian coasts, the numbers of Jews within Vlorë decreased. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, cultural developments, widely attributed to Albanians having gathered both spiritual and intellectual strength, conclusively led to

4802-658: The SH8 from Fier to Vlorë and terminates after entering the city in the north. Upon completion, the bypass of Vlorë will link the A2 motorway through the suburbs of Vlorë with the SH8 highway. Vlorë is served by the Port of Vlorë , the second busiest port in Albania, located in the northern part of the city's coast. The Vlorë railway station is the southern terminus of the Durrës-Vlorë railway line which connects Vlorë with Durrës and

4900-409: The Shushica-Vlorë River forming its eastern border. Protected areas include the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park , Llogara National Park and Vjosa Wild River National Park . Valonia oak , the mass name for acorn cups obtained in the neighboring oak forests and used by tanners, derives its name from Valona, the ancient name of Vlorë. According to the Köppen climate classification , Vlorë falls under

4998-436: The Turkish fleet was destroyed and the islanders began to move more safely. After the last movement, the residents of Othoni island colonized the two other small islands, Ereikoussa and Mathraki. In 1815, the English conquered Othonoi and as is said, sent to the island sick soldiers to recover because of the good climate that prevailed. The Treaty signed on March 29, 1864 between the three powers ( England , France , Russia ) and

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5096-577: The USA. In 2001, some Ereikoussians established in Corfu a football team called "Α.Ο ΕΡΕΙΚΟΥΣΑ" (A.S EREIKOUSA, former A.E ROPA) and they participated in Corfiot amateur football league. The team abolished some years later. In Othoni, there is one 5x5 football field and one basketball court next to Agia Triada church. A web page called diapontia .gr is a Diapontia-based site created in 2019 about news for Diapontia Islands. Othoni Othonoi ( Greek : Οθωνοί , also rendered as Othoni , Ancient Greek : Ὀθρωνός , romanized :  Othrōnós )

5194-466: The adjective Argyros, Argyratika etc.) For this reason, the Diapontians shared the same surnames. They had to bring their surnames and family nicknames so that they could stand out from each other. The nicknames in this case give the origin and the properties of each family. Most of them are hellenized-Italian, Latinized-Greek, Epirotic and Vlach. The reasons of the migration to Diapontia are not entirely clear and may be manifold. The main reason seems to be

5292-414: The airport lies at the village of Akërni within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape in the north of Vlorë, which was met with widespread criticism. The construction was officially launched on 28 November 2021, and has a completion target date of April 2024. The airport also has plans to include a marina and an agritourism site. During the period 2020–2024, the city periodically suffered from fires at

5390-460: The city include Palasë , Dhermi , Vuno, Himara , Qeparo , and Borsh . In 2019, Vlorë was cited in Financial Times ' 'Five destinations to watch' article that listed new and exciting holiday destinations from around the world. In April 2024, it was reported that Jared Kushner , son-in-law and former aide to US President Donald Trump , planned to build a resort in the city as part of plans of his company, Affinity Partners , to invest in

5488-403: The command of Hayreddin Barbarossa massacred the inhabitants of Othoni island after a long battle. In Stavros district at an altitude of 217 m. a white stone cross exists until today to commemorate that event. The last settlers of Othonoi apparently came from Paxos and Ioannina , Parga and the region of Epirus . This occurred after the Battle of Nafpaktos in 1571 when the Turkish fleet

5586-407: The command of Greek origin pirate and admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa massacred the inhabitants of Othoni island after a long battle. In Stavros district at an altitude of 217 m. a white stone cross exists until today to commemorate that event. The last settlers of Othoni apparently came from Paxos and Ioannina , Parga and the region of Epirus . Dated after the Battle of Nafpaktos in 1571, when

5684-429: The current location of Vlora, and Pierre Cabanes proposed the location of Thronion in Triport; those identifications are not in contradiction with each other. Other geographical documents, such as the Tabula Peutingeriana and Hierocles ' Synecdemus , also mention Aulon. The city served as an important port of the Roman Empire , when it was part of Epirus Nova . Aulon ( Avlona ) became an episcopal see in

5782-438: The disappearance of the initial unstressed /a/ . The evolution /u/ > /v/ should be relatively ancient, preventing the evolution of the following intervocalic /l/ to /lː/ . In Geg Albanian the toponym is pronounced Vlonë , indicating that it has been in use among northern Albanians before the appearance of rhotacism in Tosk Albanian. Also the accent pattern of the name observes Albanian accent rules. The name itself of

5880-514: The earth. The main occupations of current residents are tourism, construction, fishing, and olive production. Previously, there has been significant cultivation of vines, beekeeping and livestock. Othonoi is divided into two regions which are Ano Panta ( Greek : Άνω Πάντα ) and Kato Panta ( Greek : Κάτω Πάντα ). There are more than 20 settlements. Most beaches on the island are accessible by boat, including Ammos, Molos, Kamini, Kanoula, Kontoskes, Rogi, Fyki, Xilosermi, and Aspri Ammos. It

5978-538: The employable labor force in Vlora at 125,954, of which 84,836 are currently employed. 35% of the labor force in Vlora has a high school degree, while 17% has a university degree. According to the World Bank , Vlorë has made significant steps in the economy rankings in 2016. Vlorë ranks 7th among 22 cities in Southeastern Europe in rankings conducted by the World Bank Group . ahead of the capital of Albania , Tirana , and also Belgrade , Serbia and Sarajevo , in Bosnia and Herzegovina . Tourism which has always been

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6076-422: The first inhabitants and was subsequently reopened by the municipality and private initiatives. Locals and visitors can use the trail to reach almost every neighborhood and part of the island on foot, as well as Mount Imerovigli (Merovigli), and the highest peak of the island, with a height of over 390 metres (1,280 ft), with views of the other Diapontia Islands , Ionian Sea and Adriatic Sea . The island

6174-495: The historical Jewish population of Vlorë is planned to open in the historical center of Vlorë. Among the most outstanding religious sites in Vlorë are the Muradie Mosque built in the 16th century at the Sadik Zotaj Street and the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and Mary Church from the 19th century at the Kristoforidhi Street. Notable cultural sites in Vlorë Municipality include the Castle of Kaninë , Church of Marmiroi , Island of Sazan , Island of Zvërnec , Lagoon of Narta as well as

6272-725: The house of one Othonian seaman called Alexandros Markou Kasimis was designated by the US authorities as a preservable monument as it seems that he was one of the first Greek immigrants in USA. There are plenty of Diapontians in Montgomery today. From the beginning of 20th century many Diapontians had emigrated to the Bronx. There are about 50 Othonian families living in Pennsylvania. Othonians of USA established in 1966 their own society called "Society of Calypso Island of Othoni Kerkyras". In 1977, renamed as "Othonian society of USA". Diapontia are accessible by boat with services from Corfu port and Agios Stefanos Avliotes . They have heliports for emergencies. Asphalt roads are available on many parts of

6370-422: The inhabitants (sing. vlonjat , pl. vlonjatë ) has not undergone the rhotacism affecting the toponym (if it had, it would look something like vlorat or vlorjat ). The medieval and modern Greek name is Avlónas ( Αυλώνας Aulṓnas [avˈlonas] , accusative Αυλώνα Aulṓna [avˈlona] ), and is the source of the Latin Aulona , the Italian Valona (also used in other languages) and of

6468-491: The island by a raft and he sank on Scheria , the island of Corfu . According to Hesychius, after the Trojan War , Elephenor , king of Avantes from Euboea fled to the island after the fall of Troy , to atone as he had killed his grandfather, Abas. The traditional aspect of the local population is that their roots are from Epirus region and Paxos as many diapontian surnames are common with Epirote , Northern Epirus and Paxos surnames (e.x Argyros, Mastoras etc.) and it's

6566-417: The island's coast, including the bottlenose dolphin , at least three species of sharks (including white shark ), while sporadically near the cave of Calypso there have been monk seals . Also found are almost all varieties of marine fauna, such as the white sea bream , red mullet , the snapper , the grouper , the bumpkin (weighing up to 30 pounds), octopus , moray , the stingray , lobster . Remarkable

6664-490: The island, and "Fanò" (Lamp) which is used in international charters and by the Italians because of the lighthouse situated on the island. Othoni was called Ogygia or "Calypso island" in many maps of the 17th and 18th centuries. Another Greek name for the island is "Astakonisi" (Αστακονήσι); the Albanian name is Strakëna , which may be a cognate of it that ultimately derives from reconstructed Doric Greek Ostrakonásion ( Οστρακονάσιον ). A second etymological approach for

6762-428: The islands which are extended to settlements. There is complete electrification and a telephone network with Internet access. A.O Othoni, A.O Mathraki and A.O Ereikoussa were amateur football teams based on each island. During the 1970s and the 1980s the teams used to play against each other on fields in Chorio and Dafni settlement of Othoni. There was a football team called "F.C Ereikousa" created by Greek-Americans in

6860-405: The last century. Today, there are plenty of fishing and speed boats owned by Diapontians in every island. On 29 December 1940, the Greek submarine Proteus sank in the sea area of Othoni. The submarine had attacked an Italian convoy carrying ammunition to Vlorë . After sinking the steamer Sardegna , the submarine was rammed by the Italian torpedo boat  Antares . The loss of the submarine

6958-403: The latter, is that it derives from the plural of the Greek adjective ostrakinón (οστρακινόν), which is ostrakiná (οστρακινά); likely expressing a quality of the island. Nowadays the Othonians living in Corfu sometimes call the island "Pera" ("Πέρα" meaning: beyond), as the island is located beyond Corfu. At the beginning of the second millennium, the island was conquered alternatively by

7056-402: The local landfill . The landfill, which is considered dangerous by the local authorities, was due to close by June 2021, as a new landfill was expected to begin operations. The deadline for the opening of the latter has been postponed repeatedly, and its further construction has stopped. Vlora is home to the second largest university in Albania. The University of Vlora was founded in 1994 as

7154-440: The majority population of Vlorë while there was a small number of Greek-speaking families, Albanian Orthodox, Jews, and an even smaller number of Catholics. In 1994 the ethnic Greek community of the city numbered 8,000 people. A Greek school was operating in the city in 1741. Vlorë is geographically and culturally encompassed in the historical region of Labëria , extending from the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts to

7252-608: The memory of the crew was inaugurated in Othonoi on June 15, 2015. According to legend, the ancient poet Homer referred to Othonoi in The Odyssey as Ogygia , island of the nymph Calypso , who lived in a large cave there. Odysseus fell in love with her, and remained there seven years as her prisoner. Maps of geographers like Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville , Philipp Clüver , Petrus Bertius , and Aaron Arrowsmith , refer to Ogygia as an island northwest of Corfu , Greece. Some evidence in favor of this legend appears in

7350-517: The most many Diapontians are living in Corfu and as result some of them consider themselves to be of Corfu origin. Many Diapontians emigrated to the USA during the 20th century and they have American citizenship. There are also many diapontian surnames and toponyms that have British , Italian and Venetian routes. A dialect is spoken resembling that of Corfu and having a similar prosody but is not completely

7448-536: The mountainous region of southeastern Albania. Labëria is distinguished for its distinct culture, landscapes and traditions and known as the birthplace of Albanian polyphonic music , which has been proclaimed by UNESCO a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity . Most of the Albanian inhabitants of Vlorë speak the Lab dialect of southern Tosk Albanian that differs from other Albanian dialects . Vlorë

7546-613: The municipality of Dimos Diapontion with Othonoi as capital. On 29 December 1940, the Greek submarine Protefs sank in the sea area of Othonoi. The submarine had attacked an Italian convoy carrying ammunition to Vlorë . After sinking the steamer Sardegna , the submarine was rammed by the Italian torpedo boat  Antares . The loss of the submarine was the first loss of the Greek Navy in World War II. A monument to honor

7644-439: The municipality of Vlorë, constituting the third most populous city and fifth most populous municipality of Albania. The estimated population density of Vlorë Municipality was at 169.9 inhabitants per square kilometre. The population of Vlorë had increased from 71,662 in 1989 to 79,513 in 2011, while a decline of the population of Vlorë Municipality from 114,497 to 104,827 was highlighted. The constitution defines Albania as

7742-509: The need of the islands in labor in agriculture. Waves of migration in Diapontia started around 1600, reached a peak some time during the 19th century, and ended around 1800 reaching Othoni starting from Ano Panta , then Ereikousa and Mathraki. Chorio seems to be the first settlement of Othoni and refers until today as "the capital of the island". The folklorist-anthropologist and specialist in Greek folklore Dimitrios Loukatos documented that

7840-1828: The obsolete English Avlona . During the Ottoman era the city of Vlorë was known in Turkish as Avlonya . In Medieval Latin sources and in Old Italian records it is mentioned with the forms Avalona , Avelona , Lavalona , Lavellona ; and in Old Serbian sources as Avlona or Vavlona , the latter containing the Slavic preposition v "in". In Aromanian , the city is known as Avlona .   Illyrians ( Taulantii ),   Ancient Greeks   Roman Empire , 226 BCE–286   Byzantine Empire , 286-c. 705   South Slavs , c. 705–784   Byzantine Empire , 784–1204   Despotate of Epirus , 1204-1346   Principality of Valona , 1346–1417 [REDACTED] League of Lezhë 1443-1478 [REDACTED] Ottoman Empire , 1417–1691 [REDACTED] Republic of Venice , 1691–1698 [REDACTED] Ottoman Empire , 1698–1912 [REDACTED] Independent Albania , 1912–1914 [REDACTED] Principality of Albania , 1915–1917 [REDACTED] Italian protectorate over Albania , 1917–1920 [REDACTED] Principality of Albania , 1920–1925 [REDACTED] Albanian Republic , 1925–1928 [REDACTED] Albanian Kingdom , 1928–1939 [REDACTED] Kingdom of Albania , 1939–1943 [REDACTED] Albanian Kingdom , 1943–1944 [REDACTED] Democratic Government of Albania , 1944–1946 [REDACTED] People's Socialist Republic of Albania , 1946–1992 [REDACTED]   Albania , 1992–present The coastal area of Vlorë

7938-461: The periphery of the hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) zone with an average annual temperature of 16.9 °C (62.4 °F). Summers in Vlorë are dry and hot while winters experience moderate temperatures and changeable, rainy weather. The warmest month is August with an average temperature rising to 26.8 °C (80.2 °F). By contrast, the coldest month is January with an average temperature falling to 7.9 °C (46.2 °F). Vlorë has

8036-674: The region of Labëria which is traditionally noted for its culture, traditions and folklore. Vlorë is served by the Port of Vlorë , the SH8 highway , and the A2 motorway , collectively representing part of the Adriatic–Ionian Corridor and the Pan-European Corridor VIII . The city took its name from Ancient Greek : Αὐλών , romanized :  Aulṓn , meaning "channel, glen" that resembles an aulos instrument. It

8134-584: The rest of the Albanian rail network . It opened in 1985 when the railway line was extended from Fier to Vlorë. A very limited service remained in operation until 2015, but currently passenger services no longer run south of Fier . However, a private railway company , Albrail, started operation of freight trains from Fier to Vlorë in 2018. The Vlorë International Airport is a proposed airport development project currently under construction as part of Albania's plan to increase transportation links to destinations in southern Albania. The proposed location for

8232-560: The same as many diapontian words are completely different to that of Corfu. It is heavily influenced by Italian and Epirotic. From the beginning of 60's many Diapontians decided to emigrate to USA, Canada and Germany due to unemployment in the Diapontian islands. There are over 300 Erikoussian families in New York. The Diapontians of North America had established their own societies and every island has its own one. In Montgomery, Alabama

8330-469: The same names with some of Paxos and Epirus (Deletatika, Argyratika etc.) The Diapontians organized and created villages based on their relatives, that is, each village includes relatives. Each village has people related to the other villages and almost all the islanders are related to each other. With few exceptions, each village bears the name of the family surname that resides there like in Paxos. (e.g. from

8428-452: The same writings of Homer. He described a strong scent of cypress on Ogygia, and many cypress trees grow on Othonoi. Shortly after leaving the island on a raft, Odysseus is shipwrecked on the island of Scheria , known today as Corfu. This implies that the two mythical islands were separated by a relatively short distance, and indeed, the islands of Othonoi and Corfu are separated by a relatively short distance. According to Hesychius, after

8526-399: The site of Triport to the site of modern Vlorë occurred. The center of the modern city features walls dating from the 4th to the 10th centuries CE, as well as a wall, a quadrangular tower and ruins of a huse with ceramics dating back to the 3rd–4th centuries and to the 6th-7th centuries CE. The archaeological site of Triport has been identified with ancient Thronion or Aulon . Thronion

8624-401: The site of modern Vlorë occurred. The center of the modern city features archaeological remains dating from late antiquity. Aulon , from which the modern city took its name, appears in historical sources starting form the 2nd century CE. It was conquered at different periods throughout history by Romans , Byzantines , Normans , Venetians and Ottomans . Between the 18th and 19th centuries,

8722-442: The surrounding district was mainly agricultural and pastoral, producing oats, maize, cotton, olive oil, cattle, sheep, skins, hides, and butter. These commodities are exported. Vlorë is a vibrant coastal city with a well-developed and modern housing infrastructure. The city offers a variety of residential areas ranging from the coast and going inland. Vlorë is divided into three economic zones. The Free Economic Zone TEDA Vlorë has

8820-461: Was colonized by Ancient Greeks . A large fortified port-town that was inhabited from the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century AD is placed, now partially submerged, in Triport , northwest of present-day Vlorë. Substantial port activity in this site occurred from at least the archaic period to the medieval period . It has been suggested that a transfer of the ancient city from the site of Triport to

8918-496: Was a bishopric from the fifth century until Bulgarian rule. In the 11th and 12th century, Vlorë played an instrumental role in the conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and Norman Kingdom of Sicily . Following Norman occupation, they ruled for only four years and established a Latin church episcopal see in Vlorë. In 1321 the city being under Byzantine control was attacked by a Venetian fleet under Giovanni Michiel as

9016-633: Was attested by Pausanias (2nd century CE) as a Locrian – Euboean colony, but also by a dedication on a monument erected in Olympia , both accounts reporting that Apollonia conquered the city around 450 BCE. Aulon , from which Vlorë took its name, was mentioned for the first time by Ptolemy (2nd century CE) among the towns of the Illyrian Taulantii . Carl Patsch proposed the first location of Aulon in Triport being then transferred to

9114-632: Was destroyed and the islanders began to move more safely. After the last movement, the residents of Othonoi island colonized the two other small islands, Ereikoussa and Mathraki. In 1815, the British conquered Othonoi. With the Treaty signed on March 29, 1864, between the three powers ( United Kingdom , France , Russia ) and the Kingdom of Greece , the Ionian Islands including the Diapontian islands passed definitively to Greek sovereignty on 21 May. From 1869 until 1912 Othonoi, Ereikousa and Mathraki formed

9212-399: Was inhabited from the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century AD is placed, now partially submerged, in Triport , northwest of present-day Vlorë. It was delimited by three walls, the first of which dating back to the late 6th century BCE. The port activity in this site lasted from at least the archaic period to the medieval period . It has been suggested that a transfer of the ancient city from

9310-597: Was not carried out, as a result of the simultaneous international developments; most notably the Cuban Missile Crisis . Hoxha, realizing the vulnerability of Albania after the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia , ordered the construction of hundreds of thousands of concrete bunkers . Under Hoxha, Vlorë served as an important recruiting centre for the Sigurimi ; the Albanian state security , intelligence and secret police service. In 1997, Vlorë

9408-423: Was one of those Illyrian sites that had experienced pre-urban activity beginning from the 11th–10th centuries BCE. During the period of Euboean colonization of the area (early 8th century BC) the bay of Vlorë was associated with several Heroic traditions and the foundation of several settlements there, as the toponym Aulon suggest which is also known in local Eubean toponimity. Due to its strategic position on

9506-570: Was the center of the 1997 Albanian civil unrest after the collapse of several fraudulent investment schemes that led to the downfall of the Sali Berisha administration. Vlorë is situated on the Bay of Vlorë along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts in the eastern part of the Strait of Otranto surrounded by the foothills of the Ceraunian Mountains . Defined in an area of 647.94 km (250.17 sq mi), Vlorë Municipality

9604-505: Was the first loss of the Greek Navy in World War II. A monument to honor the memory of the crew, was inaugurated in Othoni on June 15, 2015. According to mythology, in the ancient times, Othoni was the island of nymph Calypso , who lived in a large cave. Odysseus fell in love and remained like a prisoner there for seven years. Homer called thιs island Ogygia who wrote there was a strong scent of cypress on Ogygia island. Odysseus left

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