Elbasan Fortress

Elbasan Fortress is a fortified complex in Albania with a rectangular layout and walls interrupted by numerous defensive towers spaced at regular intervals throughout the perimeter. The structure occupies a large area in the city's center and shapes the urban landscape significantly.

The site was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian and initially served as a military base controlling an important trade route. Over centuries, different rulers rebuilt and expanded it, reflecting the region's changing hands and its continued strategic importance.

The grounds hold several religious buildings, including the King's Mosque and Saint Mary's Church, showing how different communities used this space across centuries. These structures shape the site and tell of a place where multiple faiths coexisted.

Access is mainly through the southern gate, located in a central area of the modern city and easily reached on foot. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and some sections may be in poor condition.

The walls show traces of at least three distinct construction phases with different stone types and techniques from Roman, Byzantine, and later Ottoman builders. This visible layering allows visitors to read the region's complex history directly through the architecture itself.