What to expect
Elbasan, located in the heart of Albania, has roots in the ancient Illyrian kingdom of Skampa, dating back to the 1st millennium BC. Excavations reveal that the city's walls were rebuilt in the first half of the 4th century AD. In 1466, Sultan Mehmed II restored the fortifications and renamed the town El-Basan, which means "the fortress" in Turkish. During our visit, we explore the city walls, then pass through the Bazaar Gate near the Clock Tower to reach the St. Mary’s and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church, renowned for its beautiful stone arcades on the walls.