Elbasan

Heritage & monuments

Elbasan Fortress

A 15th-century Ottoman-era fortress still standing in Elbasan. Walking along its old walls, you can get a sense of the city's history.

Temples & religious sites

King Mosque, Elbasan

This mosque sits within Elbasan Castle, a historic structure built during the Ottoman era. Designated an Albanian cultural monument in 1948, it makes a good stop while walking along the castle walls.

Temples & religious sites

Naziresha Mosque

A mosque in Elbasan, built in 1599. It's a quiet place to take in centuries-old Islamic architecture.

Temples & religious sites

St. Mary's Church

An Orthodox church and monastery built during the Ottoman era in Elbasan's old Vlach quarter. It has a long history and was designated an Albanian cultural monument in 1963.

Temples & religious sites

St. Jovan Vladimir's Church

An Orthodox church in the village of Shion near Elbasan, dedicated to Saint Jovan Vladimir. Rebuilt by the Thopia family in 1381, the historic building was designated a cultural monument in 1948.

Temples & religious sites

Ballia Mosque

A mosque in central Elbasan, rebuilt in 2023 on the site of an original mosque dating to 1608. Its striking modern concrete architecture has earned it the nickname "Mosque of Time."

Heritage & monuments

Paleochristian Basilica of Elbasan

An early Christian basilica ruin in downtown Elbasan, showing traces of the old city's long-standing faith. It makes for a pleasant stop on a walk, letting you encounter ancient ruins right in the city center.

Temples & religious sites

Church St. Nicholas

An Albanian Orthodox church in the village of Shelcan near Elbasan. Inside, you can admire frescoes by Onufri that cover the walls.