TIRANA, February 25 – The Paleochristian Basilica, also known as the Bezistan Basilica, represents a significant part of Albania’s cultural heritage.

It lies about 30 meters south of the castle walls, beneath the Bezistan Oak. Archaeologists first discovered the basilica in 2007, generating strong interest among researchers and visitors to Elbasan. Excavations also relied on notes preserved in the Ethnographic Museum’s manuscript archive.

In a social media post, Elbasan Mayor Gledian Llatja said that the Bezistan Basilica has become one of the city’s most visited sites, especially by foreign tourists.

The Paleochristian Basilica of Bezistan is a millennia-old treasure and a living witness of early civilization. Its mosaics, dating back to the fifth century, continue to captivate visitors.

The site has been declared a Cultural Monument, Category I. It tells the story of ancient Scampis and preserves remarkable mosaics and fresco fragments that reflect the artistic style of the time.

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