Rating
4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)
Interesting Sites Nearby
User Reviews
Oksana Duduk (2 months ago)
A real gem ? of Elbasan :a lot to do ,a lot to see,a lot to visit .A few different entrances,the alley of ancient houses ,the church of St Mary ,souvenir shops,numerous cafes and restaurants.Highly recommended!) Elbasan Castle, located in the heart of Elbasan, Albania, is a historic fortress with a rich and diverse past. Here are some intriguing aspects of this notable landmark: • Roman Origins: The site originally housed a Roman castrum, known as Mansio Scampis, constructed between 284 and 305 AD during Emperor Diocletian’s reign. This fortification served as a military base along the Via Egnatia, a crucial Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium.  • Byzantine Enhancements: In the 6th century, under Emperor Justinian I, the fortress underwent significant reconstruction to bolster its defenses, reflecting the strategic importance of the location during the Byzantine era.  • Ottoman Reconstruction: In 1466, Sultan Mehmed II rebuilt the castle, transforming it into a garrison town during his military campaigns against the Albanian leader Skanderbeg. The Ottomans named it “Ijl-basan,” meaning “the owned fortress,” which later evolved into “Elbasan.”  • Architectural Features: The castle’s walls, standing approximately 9 meters high, originally featured 26 equidistant towers. Notably, the ancient Via Egnatia passes through the castle grounds, highlighting its historical significance as a crossroads of civilizations.  • Cultural Monuments Within: Inside the castle, visitors can explore several historical structures, including: • King Mosque (Sultan Bayezid Mosque): Dating back to the 15th century, it stands as one of Albania’s oldest mosques, exemplifying Ottoman architectural design.  • Sinan Pasha’s Turkish Bath (Hamam): Built in the early 19th century, this well-preserved bathhouse offers insights into the social and cultural practices of the Ottoman period.  • Illyrian Heritage: Archaeological discoveries near the castle walls have uncovered Illyrian graves, indicating the area’s ancient roots and its significance long before Roman occupation.  Elbasan Castle’s layered history, from its Roman foundations through Byzantine and Ottoman periods, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the rich tapestry of Albanian heritage.
A real gem ? of Elbasan :a lot to do ,a lot to see,a lot to visit .A few different entrances,the alley of ancient houses ,the church of St Mary ,souvenir shops,numerous cafes and restaurants.Highly recommended!) Elbasan Castle, located in the heart of Elbasan, Albania, is a historic fortress with a rich and diverse past. Here are some intriguing aspects of this notable landmark: • Roman Origins: The site originally housed a Roman castrum, known as Mansio Scampis, constructed between 284 and 305 AD during Emperor Diocletian’s reign. This fortification served as a military base along the Via Egnatia, a crucial Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium.  • Byzantine Enhancements: In the 6th century, under Emperor Justinian I, the fortress underwent significant reconstruction to bolster its defenses, reflecting the strategic importance of the location during the Byzantine era.  • Ottoman Reconstruction: In 1466, Sultan Mehmed II rebuilt the castle, transforming it into a garrison town during his military campaigns against the Albanian leader Skanderbeg. The Ottomans named it “Ijl-basan,” meaning “the owned fortress,” which later evolved into “Elbasan.”  • Architectural Features: The castle’s walls, standing approximately 9 meters high, originally featured 26 equidistant towers. Notably, the ancient Via Egnatia passes through the castle grounds, highlighting its historical significance as a crossroads of civilizations.  • Cultural Monuments Within: Inside the castle, visitors can explore several historical structures, including: • King Mosque (Sultan Bayezid Mosque): Dating back to the 15th century, it stands as one of Albania’s oldest mosques, exemplifying Ottoman architectural design.  • Sinan Pasha’s Turkish Bath (Hamam): Built in the early 19th century, this well-preserved bathhouse offers insights into the social and cultural practices of the Ottoman period.  • Illyrian Heritage: Archaeological discoveries near the castle walls have uncovered Illyrian graves, indicating the area’s ancient roots and its significance long before Roman occupation.  Elbasan Castle’s layered history, from its Roman foundations through Byzantine and Ottoman periods, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the rich tapestry of Albanian heritage.
Villa Zoi (8 months ago)
Elbasan Castle, locally known as Kalaja e Elbasanit, is a 15th-century fortress located in the city of Elbasan, Albania. This historic monument, standing 9 metres high, was built upon Roman and Byzantine foundations, with the original settlement dating back to the 3rd century. With a history spanning centuries, Elbasan Castle is a testament to different periods of settlement, from the 3rd to 6th centuries, then 11th to 15th centuries, and finally the Ottoman era. The castle was initially composed of 26 equidistant towers, and part of the historic Via Egnatia passes through its foundations.However, it swiftly became the center of Albanian nationalism, serving as a sanctuary for Albanian history, culture, and language throughout centuries. The Castle of Elbasan had its most glorious period during the 17th century. Enclosing more than two thousand houses within its walls, the castle boasted a manufacturing industry of over 900 shops, crafting and exporting products of leather, silk, and precious metals like silver. Today, the area within the castle walls is known as the Castle Neighborhood, a place where the past coexists harmoniously with the present.
Elbasan Castle, locally known as Kalaja e Elbasanit, is a 15th-century fortress located in the city of Elbasan, Albania. This historic monument, standing 9 metres high, was built upon Roman and Byzantine foundations, with the original settlement dating back to the 3rd century. With a history spanning centuries, Elbasan Castle is a testament to different periods of settlement, from the 3rd to 6th centuries, then 11th to 15th centuries, and finally the Ottoman era. The castle was initially composed of 26 equidistant towers, and part of the historic Via Egnatia passes through its foundations.However, it swiftly became the center of Albanian nationalism, serving as a sanctuary for Albanian history, culture, and language throughout centuries. The Castle of Elbasan had its most glorious period during the 17th century. Enclosing more than two thousand houses within its walls, the castle boasted a manufacturing industry of over 900 shops, crafting and exporting products of leather, silk, and precious metals like silver. Today, the area within the castle walls is known as the Castle Neighborhood, a place where the past coexists harmoniously with the present.
Globetrekker Sarah (8 months ago)
The most prominent structure in Elbasan is the castle which dates back to the 15th century. Built upon Roman and Byzantine foundations, the original settlement dating back to the 3rd century. There is just the wall left. Free to enter. Inside there is the beautiful Real Scampis, a bar/restaurant/hotel. There is a souvenir shop. Outside there is a tower. Second time visiting.
The most prominent structure in Elbasan is the castle which dates back to the 15th century. Built upon Roman and Byzantine foundations, the original settlement dating back to the 3rd century. There is just the wall left. Free to enter. Inside there is the beautiful Real Scampis, a bar/restaurant/hotel. There is a souvenir shop. Outside there is a tower. Second time visiting.
Rylie LaRue (9 months ago)
Beautiful castle in the center of the city of Elbasan. It is a must see full of houses, vacation rentals, hotels, restaurants, and shops. As you enter the castle, there is a delicious Taverna which is a must eat. Stroll throughout the castle be transported back to earlier times. The beautifully intact architecture is stunning. The castle is a beautiful starting point when visiting Elbasan.
Beautiful castle in the center of the city of Elbasan. It is a must see full of houses, vacation rentals, hotels, restaurants, and shops. As you enter the castle, there is a delicious Taverna which is a must eat. Stroll throughout the castle be transported back to earlier times. The beautifully intact architecture is stunning. The castle is a beautiful starting point when visiting Elbasan.
Tomson Chan (11 months ago)
Beautiful area in Elbasan both day and night. Some nice restaurants located nearby for an evening meals. Do need to look for parking or pay parking available. Recommended!
Beautiful area in Elbasan both day and night. Some nice restaurants located nearby for an evening meals. Do need to look for parking or pay parking available. Recommended!
