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Photo: Fingalo, CC BY-SA 2.0 de via Wikimedia Commons
It is a natural fresh water source found along the Gjirokastër-Tepelenë highway (SH4). The area features a rest area with a restaurant of traditional cuisine, and a bottling complex of the famous Uji Ali Pashë Tepelena company.
Uji i Ftohtë is a natural spring located approximately 8 km south of the town of Tepelenë, in Gjirokastër County, southern Albania. The spring has existed for over 250 years and emerges from rocky terrain, with cold and clear water that contributes to the Vjosa River, also from the upper left slope of the Drino Valley in the contact of limestone with flushes. Historically, it was reportedly discovered by Ali Pasha (1740–1822) during the Ottoman period. The surrounding area includes native vegetation such as oak and hawthorn trees, along with various shrubs.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
imposing statue of Ali Pashë Tepelena, the town's most popular son
orthodox church
Kështjella e Tepelenës
fortification played in important role in the rule of Ali Pasha. While only the outside walls remain, the inner part is filled with family homes now. It provides several vantage points to the Vjosa River valley below.
The camp was active from April 1949 to March 1954 and housed family members of those on the wrong side of the communist regime. Some 300 children died at the camp. Built by Fascist Italian army during WWII, Albanian Communist military went on to use it and now sits in disrepair. While not open to visitors, a view of the area can be head from the Castle's northern viewpoint, and you may be able to get in if you get the attention of the shepherds now using it.