Elbasan is one of Albania’s oldest urban centers, located in the heart of the country along the Shkumbin River. The city traces its origins back to Roman times, when it was known as Scampis, a strategic settlement on the ancient Via Egnatia trade route. In 1466, Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) founded the fortified Ottoman city and built the impressive Elbasan Castle that still stands today. Over the centuries, Elbasan developed as an important administrative, cultural, and educational center, blending Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. Today, the city is known for its historic old town, traditional architecture, thriving arts scene, and warm Mediterranean character, making it a welcoming gateway to Albania’s rich cultural history.