The only building still standing in Salaora is the old Ottoman custom house. It is a serene place, with a cement quay projecting into the waters of the Ambracian Gulf. But in 1798 this was the site of a terrible massacre. Ali Pasha had conquered Preveza in a bloody campaign. Many civilians had sought refuge across the Gulf, but were enticed by Ali to return to Preveza with guarantees for their safety. But Ali was thirsty for blood. The vessel carrying the returning Christians docked in Salaora and the passengers were ordered ashore. There they were executed by beheading as Ali watched from the windows of the custom house. He ordered his black executioner to strike “so that the victims would understand death”. It took most of the day to execute 170 people. It is said that the executioner collapsed in horror and died among his victims.