The castle rises on the slope of Shushicë Mountain, about 380 meters above sea level. It was built on the site of an ancient settlement, one of the oldest in the Vlora region. It is believed that the castle was built in the 3rd century BC. In the 4th century AD, the castle was converted into a fortified town. In the 6th century AD, the castle was rebuilt by Justinian I. The castle was the center of the Principality of Valona in the 14th century.