Korçë, Cultural center in southeastern Albania
Korçë is a city in southeastern Albania on a plateau at roughly 850 meters (2,790 feet) elevation, surrounded by the Morava Mountains. The architecture shows many wooden and stone houses from the Ottoman period, along with wide boulevards lined with plane trees and low-rise buildings along main streets.
The town grew from the 15th century as a trading post on the route between the Adriatic and Aegean seas, later becoming part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1887, it opened the first school teaching exclusively in Albanian, marking a foundation for national education.
The Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection was reopened for worship after decades serving as a museum and now draws believers from across the region. Many residents speak a local dialect distinct from the rest of Albania, shaped by Greek and Aromanian influences over generations.
The streets in the center are easy to explore on foot, with the bazaar and main promenade serving as natural orientation points. Winter months can turn cold, so warm clothing is advisable, while spring and autumn often offer pleasant weather for walking.
The nearby mountains offer winter sports at the Bigell resort, regarded as Albania's most important ski area. The cool temperatures and high elevation give the region a climate rarely found elsewhere in Albania.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
