Pogradec Castle, Castle ruin in Pogradec, Albania

Pogradec Castle is a ruined castle on the hilltop in the western part of Pogradec, its highest point standing 205 metres above Lake Ohrid. It was built on an Illyrian settlement of the 5th century BC, and walls were added in the 4th century BC. The site has seen 1,400 years of continuous habitation.

Pogradec Castle was built on an Illyrian settlement of the 5th century BC; a possible identification with the ancient Enchelei has been proposed. In the 4th century BC the site was given defensive walls, and it has seen 1,400 years of continuous habitation as an early Illyrian-Albanian stronghold. A restoration project announced by Ilir Xhakolli plans archaeological excavations, a panoramic balcony and an archaeological museum, financed by the European Union with the municipality paving the road.

Local residents regard the ruins as part of their regional identity and occasionally visit them during hiking trips through the surrounding hills. The remains hold meaning in community stories and connect people to their past.

Access to the ruins is via a hillside path that is walkable from town, especially when weather is clear and dry. The elevation and terrain require sturdy footwear and some physical effort to reach the site.

The castle hill was occupied from the 5th century BC, and a possible identification with the ancient Enchelei has been proposed for the Illyrian settlement beneath the ruins. A restoration project announced by Ilir Xhakolli plans archaeological excavations, a panoramic balcony and an archaeological museum, financed by the European Union with the municipality paving the access road.