This mountain city at 2,800 feet has preserved Ottoman-era houses, local markets, and authentic Albanian cuisine, including its signature dish pite - a meat-filled pastry.
Korçë, a city in southeastern Albania, sits 850 meters above sea level beneath the Morava Mountains. Walk through its 19th-century Ottoman bazaar, explore the National Museum of Medieval Art where you'll find 6th-century icons, or stop by the historic Birra Korça brewery. As evening falls, local musicians fill Boulevard Shen Gjergj with traditional serenades that have made this southeastern city Albania's musical capital.
Getting to Korçë
You can reach Korçë by bus from Tirana, with the 165-kilometer journey taking about four hours. The city lies 35 kilometers from the Greek border, making it a convenient stop when traveling between the two countries. You can walk to most attractions within the city center.
Walking Through the Old Bazaar
Stone-paved alleys wind through Korçë's Old Bazaar, where merchants have traded goods since the 19th century. Today, you'll find local craftspeople selling traditional carpets and metalwork alongside modern cafes in restored Ottoman buildings. Stop by the Iliaz Bej Mirahori Mosque, built in 1484, where you can still observe daily prayers.
Museums and Culture
At the National Museum of Medieval Art, you'll discover 7,000 religious objects, including rare icons from the 6th century and intricately embroidered textiles. The Photography Museum displays the work of Albanian-American photographer Gjon Mili, known for his pioneering work with strobe lighting. Visit the National Education Museum in the building where teachers taught the first Albanian-language classes in 1887.
Local Food and Drink
Visit the Birra Korça brewery, operating since 1929 in its original building with distinctive red brick architecture. Try lakror, a local specialty pie filled with leeks or ground meat. During August, the city's beer festival brings together brewers from across Albania.
Seasonal Events
Join Albania's largest carnival celebration before Orthodox Easter, when masked performers dance through the streets. Summer brings the Lakror food festival in July and beer festival in August. In December, Christmas markets fill the city center with lights and local crafts, while skiers head to nearby Bigell Resort.
Architecture and Streets
Walk down Boulevard Shen Gjergj, where apple trees line the street and locals gather at outdoor tables. The Resurrection Cathedral rises above the city as Albania's largest Orthodox church, its golden domes visible from most corners. In the surrounding neighborhoods, you'll find 19th-century villas with carved wooden balconies and stone facades influenced by French and Italian designs.
Day Trips from Korçë
Take a 20-kilometer trip to Voskopoja to see its remaining Byzantine churches with original frescoes. In Prespa Lakes National Park, watch for pelicans and cormorants around the Balkans' highest tectonic lakes, or hike the surrounding mountain trails.
