The City


Elbasan is a historic city located in the central region of Albania, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location. The city has played a significant role in the country’s history, culture, and economy, making it an important destination for travelers and tourists.

One of the most notable features of Elbasan is its ancient castle, which dates back to the 15th century. The castle served as a crucial stronghold for the Ottoman Empire and was later used as a military base during World War II. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.Elbasan is also home to several other historic landmarks and cultural sites, including the Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church, the King Mosque, and the Skampa Theater. These sites offer visitors a chance to learn about the city’s diverse cultural history and traditions.Skampis castle (Diocletian period, 284-305). via “Egnatia” (146-120 bc), the royal mosque (1492), the castle of saint mary church inside the castle and was rebuilt in 1833, women’s hamam dating back to the late 16th century, the clock tower (xvii) and was erected in 1899, etc.

In addition to its cultural significance, Elbasan is an important economic center in Albania. The city is known for its thriving textile industry, with many factories and businesses located within its borders. The city also serves as a transportation hub, connecting various regions of the country and serving as a major link between Albania and its neighboring countries.Elbasan is a historic city located in the central region of Albania, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location. The city has played a significant role in the country’s history, culture, and economy, making it an important destination for travelers and tourists.

One of the most notable features of Elbasan is its ancient castle, which dates back to the 15th century. The castle served as a crucial stronghold for the Ottoman Empire and was later used as a military base during World War II. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.Elbasan is also home to several other historic landmarks and cultural sites, including the Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church, the King Mosque, and the Skampa Theater. These sites offer visitors a chance to learn about the city’s diverse cultural history and traditions.Skampis castle (Diocletian period, 284-305). via “Egnatia” (146-120 bc), the royal mosque (1492), the castle of saint mary church inside the castle and was rebuilt in 1833, women’s hamam dating back to the late 16th century, the clock tower (xvii) and was erected in 1899, etc.

In addition to its cultural significance, Elbasan is an important economic center in Albania. The city is known for its thriving textile industry, with many factories and businesses located within its borders. The city also serves as a transportation hub, connecting various regions of the country and serving as a major link between Albania and its neighboring countries.Every 14th of March is celebrated as the “summer day” a pagan celebration that has been celebrated since ancient times in the city of Elbasan. this popular celebration is dominated by flowers, but also by its “Ballakumet”, a characteristic cake. it brings together people from all over Albania, enjoying the renewal of the universe, the magnificence of nature, and the continuity of life, and today they are celebrated throughout Albania.

Overall, Elbasan is a vibrant and important city in Albania, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and economic vitality. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s ancient landmarks, experiencing its vibrant cultural scene, or learning about its economic significance, Elbasan is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Albania’s rich and diverse culture. Moreover “Aleksander Xhuvani” University is an important university in Albania, and very frequented.





The city of Elbasan welcomes every autumn, hundreds of artists from Albania and the world. Every year in the autumn, there takes place the international contemporary theater festival, under the framework of “Skampa”.  It was born on the eve of the exchange of centuries and constitutes the largest theater manifestation in the country. Albanian and world theater artists meet together to share their experiences and ideas, present main trends in Albania and international scenic practice, and create a space for intercultural dialogue. the festival has achieved continuity: now, it is well known beyond Albania, and it has become an institution with a very well-defined personality and culture.