Korçë: The Complete Guide

Korçë is a city in southeastern Albania and is built on a plateau 850 m above sea level, surrounded by the Morava Mountains. From its typical Albanian serenades to its stunning winter snow, everything about this city is romantic. The traditional villas, cobble-stone streets sparkling under the sun, fresh mountain air and hospitality combine to create an unmatched warm and festive experience throughout the year. Previously known as “the little Paris,” Korça is one of Albanian art and history hubs, housing some of the country’s most interesting museums. The recently renovated Old Bazaar, a food and spice market surrounded by villas, is full of people, vitality, and a lively nightlife scene.The renowned culinary delights of Korça, such as lakror and kërnacka and the nearby mountain villages, like Voskopoja and Boboshtica, are some of Albania’s most popular destinations. Mësonjëtorja was first school in Albania and opened in 1887. It has now been turned into a museum of education .

History of Korçë

The area around Korçë has been inhabited since prehistoric periods, as evidenced by archaeological finds in nearby regions. In antiquity, the region was part of the Kingdom of Epirus and later came under Roman rule, contributing to its strategic importance as a crossroads between East and West.

Ottoman Era:

During the late medieval period and into the early modern era, Korçë fell under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans transformed Korçë into an administrative center and a hub for trade and craftsmanship. The city thrived economically and culturally under Ottoman patronage, with mosques, markets, and Turkish baths (hamams) contributing to its architectural and social landscape.

Albanian National Awakening:

In the 19th century, Korçë played a pivotal role in the Albanian National Awakening (Rilindja Kombëtare). It became a center of Albanian cultural and intellectual activity, fostering the growth of Albanian nationalism, literature, and education. Korçë’s prominent figures, such as writers and educators, promoted Albanian identity and language during a period of cultural revival and resistance against Ottoman and later, Greek rule.

20th Century and Beyond:

In the early 20th century, Korçë experienced significant political changes as Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. The city continued to develop as an important cultural and educational center within Albania. However, during World War II, Korçë endured occupation by Axis forces and subsequent political turmoil under communist rule after the war.

Today, Korçë stands as a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a blend of Ottoman and Albanian influences. It is known for its museums, historic landmarks, and annual cultural events that celebrate its diverse history and contributions to Albanian culture and identity.

Visiting Korçë for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Korçë on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Korçë not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Korçë and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Korçë Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Korçë is housed in a mansion guesthouse which dates back to 1870. The museum has an excellent collection of around 1200 artifacts mainly from the Prehistoric period found throughout the region in sites of Maliq, Podgorica, Dunaveci and Trajan.

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Location: Rruga Mihal Grameno Korçë Albania | Hours: 9am-2pm & 5-7pm Tue-Fri, 9am-noon & 5-7pm Sat & Sun | Price: 200 lek | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Korçë Archaeological Museum

Korçë National Museum of Medieval Art

The National Museum of Medieval Art is an Albanian located in Korçë, Albania. Established 1980, with the building being that houses it being reconstructed in 2016. The museum has over 7,000 art and cultural items. The Golden Wall, which covers 10 meters, over two floors, exhibits the impressive 16th-century collections. The White Balcony display icons […]

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Location: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59 Korçë Albania | Hours: April- September, Every Day 9:00 – 19:00. October - March, Tuesday- Sunday 9:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 19:00 | Price: 700 | Website | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Korçë National Museum of Medieval Art

Voskopojë

Voskopojë is a mountain village, 21 km from  Korçë  at an altitude of 1160 meters. Voskopojë was a small settlement until the latter part of the 17th century when, despite its isolation, the settlement grew into a cosmopolitan center of learning. It had the Balkan’s first printing press outside Istanbul, educational institutions and 24 churches. […]

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Visiting Voskopojë