The mosaic of the Paleochristian basilica in Elbasan has been open to visitors for almost a month, adding an important cultural monument to the city’s tourist offerings.

With hundreds of visitors, as well as local residents, having visited this basilica, which was discovered in 2007 and declared a Cultural Monument in 2010, it testifies to the ancient history of the city of Elbasan.

Seventeen years ago, the foundations of an ancient mosaic were accidentally uncovered in the city center. Archaeology specialists considered this one of the most important discoveries. During initial excavations, a group of archaeologists unearthed two graves at a depth of over three meters, dating back to the 5th century.

Preliminary studies indicate that the basilica was of considerable size, and currently, a portion of the Nave and the southern Nave have been unearthed. The wall that borders the southern Nave is adorned with frescoes, which are well preserved.

Fragments of an amphora from Gaza, Palestine, were found on the basilica’s floor, indicating that the Paleochristian basilica was destroyed at the end of the 6th century or the beginning of the 7th century AD.

Archaeologists studying the wall have expressed that it does not belong to Namazgja Mosque but is believed to be part of an ancient fortress dating back to the pre-Ottoman period.

The head of the Culture and Tourism Agency in Elbasan, Artur Guni, stated, “The continuation of excavations is planned, as the basilica is on a larger and still partially undiscovered surface.”

The Paleochristian basilica discovered in the area known as “Rrapi i Bezistanit” in Elbasan is one of the oldest Orthodox cult monuments discovered in Albania, where such a mosaic is well preserved.

/k.s/