Coastal towns saw record visitors this summer. But with autumn, tourists from around the world are turning to Albania’s cultural and historic cities.

Elbasan is among the top destinations. September brought a sharp rise in foreign visitors who choose the city for its history, hospitality, and rich heritage.

Many are drawn to religious sites, architecture, and local traditions.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media of tourists exploring Elbasan Castle at the end of September. “Late September in Elbasan, where hospitality meets history,” he wrote.

According to Artur Guni, Director of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Elbasan, over 4,500 visitors—locals and foreigners—came in August and September. Most were from France, Israel, Italy, the US, and Australia.

Tourists explored not only the Castle and Ethnographic Museum, but also Funar, Gjinari, and Bysheku.

Elbasan Castle is fast becoming a magnet for visitors. Revitalization projects and growing interest in cultural tourism give this monument new life. Once a key point of the ancient Via Egnatia, today it stands as a living symbol of history, culture, and religious harmony.

Inside its walls, the King Mosque and Orthodox Church of St. Mary sit side by side, with a Catholic church nearby. The blend makes the area a rare example of interfaith coexistence.

The cobbled alleys, Ottoman architecture, and ancient traces turn every visit into a journey through time. Local families add warmth—often inviting tourists into their homes for sweets, coffee, and stories.

With rising visitor numbers each year, Elbasan Castle is securing its place as one of Albania’s most attractive cultural destinations.

/a.c/