Albania, a country steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, offers a treasure trove of historical sites for travelers to explore. From ancient ruins to medieval castles, Ottoman-era towns to archaeological wonders, Albania’s landscape is dotted with remnants of its fascinating past. This comprehensive guide will take you through the top 50 historical places to visit in Albania, showcasing the most popular and significant sites that tell the story of this Balkan nation’s diverse history.

As you embark on your journey through Albania’s historical landmarks, you’ll discover a tapestry of civilizations that have left their mark on the country. From Illyrian tribes to Greek colonists, Roman conquerors to Byzantine rulers, and Ottoman occupiers to communist regimes, each era has contributed to Albania’s unique cultural mosaic. These 50 sites represent the best of Albania’s historical offerings, providing visitors with a deep dive into the country’s past and a chance to witness its architectural and archaeological wonders firsthand.

1. Butrint
   Butrint is an archaeological national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing ruins from various civilizations. This ancient city, occupied by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, features impressive structures including a Greek theatre, Roman baths, and a Christian basilica. The site offers a comprehensive look at Albania’s layered history.
2. Berat
   Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. The city’s castle, dating back to the 13th century, provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. Inside the citadel, visitors can explore various religious sites and the Onufri Museum, which houses works by the renowned 16th-century painter.
3. Gjirokastër
   Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Gjirokastër is known as the “Stone City” due to its distinctive architecture. The city’s imposing castle, one of the largest in the Balkans, offers a glimpse into Albania’s military history. The old town features well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, including the Zekate House, an excellent example of local architecture.
4. Apollonia
   Founded by Greek colonists in 588 BCE, Apollonia was an important ancient city. Today, visitors can explore the extensive archaeological site, which includes ruins of a triumphal arch, a library, and several temples. The on-site museum houses artifacts discovered during excavations.
5. Krujë Castle
   This medieval castle played a crucial role in Albania’s history as the center of Skanderbeg’s rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The castle complex includes the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to the national hero, and a traditional Ottoman-era bazaar.
6. Durrës Amphitheatre
   Built in the 2nd century CE under Roman Emperor Trajan, this amphitheatre is the largest ever constructed in the Balkans. It could seat up to 20,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests. The site also features early Christian mosaics.
7. Rozafa Castle
   Located in Shkodër, Rozafa Castle has a history dating back to the Illyrians. The impressive fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and houses a museum detailing its long history.
8. Byllis
   One of the largest ancient cities in southern Illyria, Byllis boasts impressive ruins including a theatre, stadium, and early Christian basilicas. The site provides insight into Illyrian urban planning and architecture.
9. Antigonea
   Founded in the 3rd century BCE by King Pyrrhus of Epirus, Antigonea is an important archaeological site. Visitors can explore the remains of this Hellenistic city, including its agora, theater, and residential areas.
10. Lëkurësi Castle
    Perched on a hill overlooking Sarandë, this 16th-century castle offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Though small, it provides an excellent example of Ottoman military architecture.
11. Lin
    This picturesque village on Lake Ohrid is home to the ruins of an early Christian basilica known for its well-preserved mosaics dating back to the 6th century CE.
12. Bashtova Castle
    One of the few surviving Venetian fortresses in Albania, Bashtova Castle dates back to the 15th century. Its unique design combines elements of both Western and Ottoman military architecture.
13. Borsh Castle
    Situated above the village of Borsh, this castle offers panoramic views of the Albanian Riviera. The fortress has a long history, with parts dating back to the 4th century BCE.
14. Petrela Castle
    Located near Tirana, Petrela Castle is a picturesque medieval fortress with a distinctive tower. The castle offers views of the Erzen River valley and houses a restaurant in its renovated interior.
15. Prezë Castle
    This 15th-century castle near Tirana Airport showcases Ottoman military architecture. Its strategic location provides excellent views of the surrounding plains.
16. Elbasan Castle
    The walls of this 15th-century Ottoman fortress enclose the old town of Elbasan. Visitors can walk along the preserved sections of the walls and explore the historic district within.
17. Berat National Ethnographic Museum
    Housed in an 18th-century Ottoman house, this museum showcases traditional Albanian life through exhibits of costumes, crafts, and household items.
18. Onufri National Museum
    Located in Berat’s castle, this museum is dedicated to the works of Onufri, a 16th-century Albanian painter known for his religious icons and frescoes.
19. National Historical Museum, Tirana
    Albania’s largest museum offers a comprehensive look at the country’s history from ancient times to the post-communist era. The impressive mosaic on its facade is a notable landmark.
20. Skanderbeg Square, Tirana
    The main square of Albania’s capital is named after the national hero Skanderbeg. It features a statue of the hero and is surrounded by important government buildings and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
21. Et’hem Bey Mosque, Tirana
    This 18th-century mosque is one of the oldest buildings in Tirana. It’s known for its finely painted walls and ceilings, showcasing both Ottoman and Albanian artistic traditions.
22. Mesaplik Necropolis
    This Illyrian necropolis near Përmet dates back to the 4th-3rd centuries BCE. The site features rock-cut tombs and provides insight into ancient Illyrian burial practices.
23. Phoenice
    The ruins of this ancient Chaonian city include a theater, public buildings, and fortifications. It offers a glimpse into the urban planning of an Epirote city-state.
24. Oricum
    An ancient port city near Vlora, Oricum features the remains of a theater, temple, and city walls. The site played a role in Caesar’s civil war against Pompey.
25. Apollonia Museum
    Located in a 14th-century monastery within the Apollonia archaeological park, this museum houses artifacts found at the site, including sculptures, pottery, and coins.
26. Ardenica Monastery
    Founded in the 13th century, this Orthodox monastery is known for its Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes. It also played a role in Albanian cultural history as a center of learning.
27. Voskopojë Churches
    The small town of Voskopojë was once an important cultural center and is home to several 18th-century churches known for their impressive frescoes.
28. Lezhë Castle
    This hilltop castle offers panoramic views and has a history dating back to the Illyrians. It’s also near the tomb of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero.
29. Drisht Castle
    The ruins of this medieval castle near Shkodër offer insight into Albanian feudal life and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
30. Gjirokastra National Folklore Festival Museum
    Housed in the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha, this museum showcases Albania’s rich folklore traditions through costumes, musical instruments, and other artifacts.
31. Ali Pasha Museum, Tepelena
    Dedicated to the life of Ali Pasha, the 18th-19th century ruler of Ioannina, this museum is housed in a reconstructed Ottoman mansion and displays period artifacts.
32. Shkodra Historical Museum
    Located in a traditional Shkodran house, this museum covers the history of one of Albania’s oldest cities from ancient times to the 20th century.
33. Durrës Archaeological Museum
    This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Dyrrachium, including sculptures, pottery, and everyday objects.
34. Korçë National Museum of Medieval Art
    Showcasing religious art from the post-Byzantine period, this museum features a rich collection of icons, many created by local masters.
35. Bunk’Art 1, Tirana
    This massive Cold War bunker has been transformed into a history and contemporary art museum, offering insight into Albania’s communist past.
36. Bunk’Art 2, Tirana
    Located in the center of Tirana, this former nuclear bunker now serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs during the communist regime.
37. House of Leaves, Tirana
    This museum, located in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi (secret police), documents the surveillance and persecution of Albanian citizens during the communist era.
38. Monastery of St. John Vladimir, Elbasan
    This 8th-century monastery is one of the oldest in Albania and is dedicated to Saint John Vladimir, a medieval ruler of Duklja.
39. Byllis Cathedral
    The ruins of this 6th-century cathedral in the ancient city of Byllis showcase early Christian architecture in Albania.
40. Paleochristian Church, Lin
    This 6th-century church ruin on the shores of Lake Ohrid is known for its well-preserved floor mosaics.
41. Rubik Church
    This 12th-century church is one of the oldest in northern Albania and features frescoes from various periods.
42. Gjirokastra Bazaar
    The old bazaar of Gjirokastra offers a glimpse into traditional Albanian urban life with its Ottoman-era shops and houses.
43. Krujë Bazaar
    This well-preserved Ottoman-era market in Krujë showcases traditional Albanian crafts and architecture.
44. Spille Cave
    This prehistoric site near Kavajë contains evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic period.
45. Selca e Poshtme Necropolis
    This Illyrian royal necropolis features rock-cut tombs from the 4th-3rd centuries BCE, providing insight into ancient Illyrian burial practices.
46. Finiq Archaeological Park
    The ancient city of Phoenice, capital of the Chaonians, offers visitors a chance to explore Hellenistic and Roman ruins.
47. Kanina Castle
    Overlooking Vlora, this castle has a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE and offers panoramic views of the coast.
48. Rodoni Castle
    Built by Skanderbeg in the 15th century, this coastal fortress played a role in defending against Ottoman invasions.
49. Monastery of St. Mary, Apollonia
    This 13th-century Byzantine monastery within the Apollonia archaeological park houses the site’s museum.
50. Palasa Mosaic
    Located in the village of Palasa, this well-preserved Roman mosaic dates back to the 5th century CE and depicts various geometric patterns and animal figures.

These 50 historical sites offer a comprehensive journey through Albania’s rich past, from ancient Illyrian settlements to Ottoman fortresses and communist-era bunkers. Each site tells a unique story, contributing to the complex tapestry of Albanian history and culture. As you explore these locations, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Albania’s heritage and its place in the broader context of European history.

Further Explore Albania

• Albania [Country Info]
• Basic Language Learning Guide for Travelers to Albania
• Common Misconceptions – Albania
• Currency Guide – Albania
• Essential Travel Tips for Albania
• Geographical Regions of Albania
• Major Historical Places To Visit In Albania
• Popular Cities To Visit In Albania
• Popular Foods In Albania
• Popular Museums To Visit In Albania
• Safety Guide For Travelers To Albania
• Top 50 Things To Do In Albania