Explore Pogradec and its UNESCO World heritage lake
Situated in a narrow plain between two mountain ranges, much of Pogradec’s appeal is in its natural beauty, characterized by the alluring, glass-like waters of the Ohrid lake and the nearby Drilon National Park. Ohrid lake is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, whose ecosystem is of global value and home to over 200 endemic species. Not only are the views breathtaking, but the treasures that live in the lake are priceless.
Pogradec’s history is as fascinating as its present. Its name is of Eastern South Slavic origin and translates to “under the city.” This is a direct reference to an ancient Illyrian city that was settled in the Neolithic period, on a hill above the location of modern-day Pogradec. It later became home to the Illyrian Enkelejd and Desaret clans, who built the Castle of Pogradec at 870 m above sea level.
The city now known as Pogradec exchanged hands between several states including the Bulgarian, Byzantine, Serbian, and Ottoman empires between the 8th and 15th centuries. During the medieval Ottoman period, the city went by the name İstarova or İstarye. It then went on to play important roles in both World War I and World War II.
The city and surrounding area are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes locations in both Albania and North Macedonia. It’s also close to another tentative UNESCO site, the Illyrian Royal Tombs in Korçë county.
Pogradec is renowned for its hospitable and welcoming people, and a long tradition of handicrafts. Women continue to preserve the tradition of carpet weaving, embroidery, or crochet.
The city is is also great for foodies, especially those who like freshwater fish! Best of all, it’s small, so it’s very walkable, and every attraction in the area is within a 10- or 20-minute drive.
Below some of the highlights of the city and its surroundings for a rich and enjoyable stay in Pogradec.
Lake Ohrid
The road to Pogradec passes along the shore of the tectonic Lake Ohrid, the deepest lake in the Balkans (285 m). This 2-4-million-year-old lake is under UNESCO protection due to its unique value and is home 17 species of aquatic animals, 70% of which are native and 30% migrant, among which the unique ‘Koran’ the endemic Ohrid Trout. The sponge of Ohrid is another fish species found only here and in Lake Baikal.
By the lakeside you will find many restaurants, clubs, and comfortable accommodation. Do not miss a taste of the traditional fish dishes, especially the baked speckled trout (Koran in Albanian), as well as the famous pickles. You might also sample the various wines on offer, but don’t miss the traditional unique wine of Buti, or the famous Perla and Moskat raki of Pogradec.
Lin, Drilon and Tushemisht
The Lin peninsula and in the village of the same name just 25 km outside of Pogradec are worth a visit. It is said that in ancient times, this was the favorite holiday destination of the Roman Emperor Justinian’s parents. There are many stories for the origin of its name. One of them says that when the soldiers of Julius Caesar who arrived on this hill were so amazed that they shouted “Lyhnidas”, which means “Lake of Light”.
Life on this peninsula, according to historical records, is thought to have started in the first period of the Iron Age (time to which belong the famous Lin mosaics, which are located on the hill) and continued until the Middle Ages. Early. The Paleo-Christian basilica of Lin is located in the western part of Cape Lin and represents one of the most important monuments of Albania.
Drilon and Tushemisht, 4-5 km south of the city are surrounded by a small lake and beautiful greenery offer a unique oasis of beauty and tranquillity.
Church of Marena and Selca Tombs
The Church of Marena and the archaeological site and Monumental Graves of Selca, 30 km away from Pogradec date back to the 4th century B.C. The five monumental stone graves are found in very few places elsewhere in the Balkans.
The Illyrian Cemetery and the Illyrian tombs of Selca
These majestic 3rd century Illyrian tombs, once located in the ancient city of Pelion near modern-day Pogradec, are a beautiful monument of the country’s ancient history.
The Monumental Tombs of Selca, located on the banks of the Shkumbin River, belong to the 3rd century B.S. The city and necropolis were once the royal residence of the ancient Illyrian ruler, King Klit, which explains the cemetery’s noble appearance with the tombs that seem to be sculpted into the cliff. Because of their high historical and archaeological value, in 1996, Albania included these royal tombs in the UNESCO World heritage list of proposals.
