What to do and visit in Elbasan
Albania is a country full of beautiful cities, which to be attractive, do not necessarily have to be the capital.
In today’s blog post, as a perfect destination for wellness retreat, we suggest the City of Elbasan. Let’s start with exploring the downtown area in search of museums and delicious meal.
This city, has so much to offer according to history, architecture and rich cuisine.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
THE CASTLE
Elbasan castle, was rebuilt three times: initially by the Illyrians more than 2 thousand years ago, then it was occupied and rebuilt by the Romans as it was an important stop in Via Ignatia connecting Durres with Constantinople and then was rebuilt by the ottomans in the 15th century after it was destroyed by an earthquake.
The castle is in need of renovation as only two ancient walls remain.
However, the area inside is full of old houses and famous personalities houses, and there are and old mosque and an old church both worth visiting.
OLD CLOCK TOWER
One castle wall is centered around the impressive Sahati (clock tower), which at the time it was built, it was the highest building in town and today is considered as the central point in this town.
NAZIRESHA MOSQUE
This is one of the oldest mosques in Balkan, built on 1482.
ELBASAN ETHNOLOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
The museum is located in the center of the city, not far from the Castle of Elbasan.
It is housed in a traditional two-story 18th century house that tells of the culture, folklore and lifestyle in this medieval city.
SCAMPA THEATRE
Scampa – Theatre is the culture cult of Elbasan, in the entrance of it is a library.
ARCHITECTUAL ATTRACTIONS
ELBASAN ARENA
Elbasan Arena Stadium, has a modern architecture, worth to have a look at it especially for football fans.
There are over 400 parking spaces, 2 restaurants, 1 conference room and a restaurant for V.I.P. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 seats. You must have an ID card to enter the stadium.
LLIXHAT NEAR ELBASAN
Llixhat (or Llixha) means thermal baths and they are located 12 km south of Elbasan. You can take a dip in the curative thermal waters and have treatments as well.
FOOD EXPERIENCE
Elbasan is known for its traditional cousin and has so much to offer in terms of special foods.
Here there are some of the goodies this city has to offer:
Bugaçe, is a traditional Elbasan breakfast roll, found nowhere else in Albania.
Smothered in butter and with a dash of salt, this roll is delicious but not for those watching their cholesterol.
Bollokume, is another Elbasan specialty, rarely found elsewhere in Albania.
It is essentially a large sugar biscuit. While sold in stores all over the city, the best are always the freshly baked warm cookies.
Try the traditional Tavë Elbasani, Fërgesë Elbasani, Tavë kosi and other yummy specialties.
Kompeka, Revani and Ashure are a traditional desert in Elbasan.
To sum it up, as a city that has so much to offer, Elbasan is a great choice when wanting to get away from the stress of daily life to unwind, relax and rejuvenate.
At Te Stela Travel, we offer a full 7 days package,(https://testela.travel/tour-item/elbasan-7-days-spa/) fully organized with lots of activities where you can experience both the city and the benefits of a retreat.