Pogredec – historicalbania.com

Pogradec Castle (Kalaja e Pogradecit)

A Historical Overview

Perched on a strategic hilltop overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Ohrid, Pogradec Castle is a site of deep historical significance, with a continuous legacy spanning from Illyrian times through Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.

Illyrian Beginnings (~6th–4th century BCE)

The castle’s origins trace back to the Illyrian Enchelei tribe, who established a fortified settlement around the 6th century BCE. By the 4th century BCE, the hill was encircled with defensive stone walls, forming a fortress-town. Its elevated position made it ideal for controlling trade routes and for regional defense.

Roman Transition (2nd century BCE onward)

Following the Roman conquest of the region, the site remained occupied but its prominence faded somewhat. Roman authorities likely used the location for monitoring traffic along the Via Egnatia, although structural enhancements to the fortress declined.

Byzantine Revitalization (4th–9th century CE)

The Late Antiquity period saw a revival of activity at the fortress. Around the 4th century CE, the city’s defenses were rebuilt in response to barbarian threats. Under Byzantine rule in the 6th century, the walls were again fortified, and the hill functioned as a residential and strategic military hub.

The castle retained importance until the 9th century, when it suffered from Slavic invasions and regional instability.

Ottoman Era and Decline (15th century onward)

While the Ottomans did not heavily utilize the original fortress, the hilltop continued to serve as a watchpoint. Over time, the stones from the original structure were repurposed for other uses in the growing settlement below.

Modern Significance

Today, the western walls of the ancient castle remain partially intact. Although much of the site is now in ruins or buried, archaeological finds, including pottery and wall remnants, have confirmed its Illyrian and Byzantine roots. In 1963, the castle was designated a Cultural Monument of the First Category by the Albanian government.

Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme

Overview

High in the hills of southeastern Albania, overlooking the Shkumbin River Valley and surrounded by oak forests and terraced farmland, lie the Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme (Varret Mbretërore të Selcës së Poshtme). This breathtaking archaeological site, located roughly 35 km northeast of Pogradec, offers one of the clearest and most awe-inspiring glimpses into the royal and ceremonial life of the ancient Illyrians—a civilization that once dominated the western Balkans.

A Regal Necropolis (4th–3rd Century BCE)

The site served as a burial complex for Illyrian royalty, most likely nobles of the Kingdom of Dassaretia, which thrived during the Classical period. Carved directly into the limestone cliffside above the village of Selca e Poshtme, the tombs reflect the fusion of indigenous Illyrian customs with Hellenistic architectural elements, influenced by trade and contact with Greek cities to the south.

There are five monumental tombs, each unique in size and structure. Several feature columned porticos, arched stone entrances, cut-stone beds, and in some cases, decorative reliefs or inscriptions. These impressive features suggest not just burial sites, but spaces with ritual or religious significance, possibly used for ancestor worship and funerary ceremonies.

Grave goods recovered in excavations include weapons, pottery, jewelry, and coins, all underscoring the wealth and importance of those buried here—and the site’s central role in Illyrian elite life.

From Obscurity to Preservation

Though known to locals for centuries, formal archaeological exploration of the site began in the 20th century, revealing its extensive historical and artistic significance. In 1963, it was declared a Cultural Monument of the First Category by the Albanian government. More recently, it has been proposed for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, due to its unique architectural and cultural value.

🗺️ How to Visit the Royal Tombs

📍 Location

Region: Korçë County, Albania
Nearest city: Pogradec (35 km / ~1 hour drive)
Village: Selca e Poshtme
Elevation: ~1,100 meters (3,600 ft)

The tombs are situated on a limestone terrace above the village, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

🚗 Getting There

From Pogradec: Drive south to Buçimas, then east along mountainous roads to Selca e Poshtme.
Road conditions: The last 8–10 km are often unpaved or uneven, so a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.
Final approach: Park in the village and walk 10–15 minutes uphill along a marked trail to reach the tombs.

🛑 There is no public transportation to the site, so visitors must rely on:
Rental car (with high clearance)
A local guide or driver
Organized cultural tours from Korçë or Pogradec

⚠️ Visitor Info & Tips

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn (May–October)
Facilities: No restrooms, ATMs, or cafés on site—come prepared.
What to bring: Hiking shoes, water, snacks, sun protection, and a flashlight.
Tourist level: Low; you’ll likely have the site to yourself—a rare, immersive experience.

🏞️ Why It Matters

The Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme offer more than just a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of Balkan history—they serve as a bridge between prehistoric Illyrian culture and the emerging classical world. Quietly majestic, this site is one of Albania’s most haunting and beautiful archaeological treasures, still largely untouched by mass tourism.