The Institute of Archaeology (Academy of Sciences of Albania), in collaboration with Sweet Briar College (USA), is conducting research and excavations at the Matohasanaj fortress. This work is part of the broader project *Landscape Archaeology in the Memaliaj–Tepelenë Area.

The excavations uncovered a public building dating from the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE. Later modifications were made during Late Antiquity. Researchers also identified one of the fortress entrances.

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastër and the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation supported the project.

Surface surveys revealed several new structures, likely related to domestic spaces. New fortification walls also came to light.

These findings are significant. They shift previous interpretations of Matohasanaj—from a purely military stronghold to a central hub serving the surrounding community, with both public and private buildings.

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