The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlorë has announced that visitors can now explore a cluster of monumental tombs located at the entrance of the Archaeological Park of Amantia. These tombs, distinguished by their unique architectural design and millennia-old history, have recently been uncovered through ongoing excavations in the region.

Throughout June, a team of archaeologists and restorers from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlorë conducted extensive archaeological excavations, resulting in the discovery of another significant tomb at the park’s entrance. This tomb is positioned near the road linking the villages of Ploçë and Amonicë within the Selenicë Municipality.

The presence of this tomb was initially identified during salvage excavations in 2020, which revealed the first monumental tomb in this area. Due to the monument’s need for restoration, comprehensive excavation of its surface was necessary to facilitate drainage and prevent water damage. Subsequent efforts included detailed study and documentation, all sanctioned and executed under the oversight of the National Council of Material Cultural Heritage.

Preliminary findings from the excavation indicate that the newly uncovered tomb was used for burials from the 1st to the 2nd century BC.

Inside the monumental tomb, constructed with stone blocks, a brick-lined burial chamber was discovered. Among the artifacts recovered are predominantly fragmented ceramic vessels, a few intact vessels, fragmented glass vessels, and metallic objects, including a significant number of beads.

Surrounding the monumental tomb, additional brick-lined graves from the same historical period were also identified and cataloged. Concurrently, specialists from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlorë are developing a restoration and museumization plan for the site, aiming to preserve and showcase its historical significance.

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