"Guidebook for Korca"
Sightseeing & History
Though a fairly recent addition to the city, this cathedral has already become Korça’s landmark. Located at the very heart of Korça, it is one of the most popular touristic spots in the city and one of its most important structures. Built after the ‘90s, the cathedral is now one of the principal places of worship in the country. Entrance is free and the cathedral is open at all hours.
Katedralja Orthodhokse "Ringjallja e Krishtit"
Though a fairly recent addition to the city, this cathedral has already become Korça’s landmark. Located at the very heart of Korça, it is one of the most popular touristic spots in the city and one of its most important structures. Built after the ‘90s, the cathedral is now one of the principal places of worship in the country. Entrance is free and the cathedral is open at all hours.
This park is the city’s lungs, constantly furnishing it with clean fresh air! Established 60 years ago, the park has recently assumed a fresh new face as Korça’s largest green space, with an area of about 100 square meters. It’s also conveniently located close to the city center. So, you’ll have a chance to enjoy its peaceful nature and beautiful statues before heading back to the city.
7 locals recommend
Parku Rinia
This park is the city’s lungs, constantly furnishing it with clean fresh air! Established 60 years ago, the park has recently assumed a fresh new face as Korça’s largest green space, with an area of about 100 square meters. It’s also conveniently located close to the city center. So, you’ll have a chance to enjoy its peaceful nature and beautiful statues before heading back to the city.
This mosque is another meaningful place of worship and one of the oldest monuments of the city. Built as early as 1494, the mosque is named after the founder of the city. Because of its architecture and historical value, this mosque attracts many local and international tourists. If you find a moment, the fascinating monument is well-worth visiting!
Iliaz Bej Mirahori Mosque
12 Rruga Floresha MyteveliThis mosque is another meaningful place of worship and one of the oldest monuments of the city. Built as early as 1494, the mosque is named after the founder of the city. Because of its architecture and historical value, this mosque attracts many local and international tourists. If you find a moment, the fascinating monument is well-worth visiting!
The Bratko Museum of Oriental art is more than just a collection of rare and fascinating Asian artefacts. It is a testament to the character and inspiration of one of Albania’s most important photographers.The Bratko Museum of Oriental Art contains around 450 objects representing 17 Eastern cultures of the world. The collection includes Asian clothing, swords and other Indonesian weapons, dozens of paintings and photographs, and many other rarities which, thanks to this museum, are accessible to the international public. It may seem odd at first that Korça, or even Albania, hosts such a large collection of Asian artefacts, but it all becomes clear once you get better acquainted with the museum’s legendary story. It is, in fact, the personal story of the famous Albanian photographer Gjergj Dhimitër Mborja. His name circulated among the crowds of communist Tirana, as much for his alleged romance with a Japanese king’s young daughter, as for the fact that he accompanied American generals during the world wars. Though later in life he worked in Hollywood, Mborja initially spent 14 years (1942-1956) in Japan as General Douglas McArthur’s photographer. His love of Asia, however, continued well after he returned to the U.S. The Bratko Museum collection, gathered by him throughout his travels, is Mborja’s gift to his hometown of Korça. In his will, he requested that his museum be built with his savings, and for it to be named in honour of his mother, Viktoria Bratko, who never left Albania.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday&Sunday
9:00-13:00
Wednesday- Saturday
8:00- 13:00, 16:00-19:00
Muzeu Oriental "Bratko"
57 Bulevardi Fan Noli
The Bratko Museum of Oriental art is more than just a collection of rare and fascinating Asian artefacts. It is a testament to the character and inspiration of one of Albania’s most important photographers.The Bratko Museum of Oriental Art contains around 450 objects representing 17 Eastern cultures of the world. The collection includes Asian clothing, swords and other Indonesian weapons, dozens of paintings and photographs, and many other rarities which, thanks to this museum, are accessible to the international public. It may seem odd at first that Korça, or even Albania, hosts such a large collection of Asian artefacts, but it all becomes clear once you get better acquainted with the museum’s legendary story. It is, in fact, the personal story of the famous Albanian photographer Gjergj Dhimitër Mborja. His name circulated among the crowds of communist Tirana, as much for his alleged romance with a Japanese king’s young daughter, as for the fact that he accompanied American generals during the world wars. Though later in life he worked in Hollywood, Mborja initially spent 14 years (1942-1956) in Japan as General Douglas McArthur’s photographer. His love of Asia, however, continued well after he returned to the U.S. The Bratko Museum collection, gathered by him throughout his travels, is Mborja’s gift to his hometown of Korça. In his will, he requested that his museum be built with his savings, and for it to be named in honour of his mother, Viktoria Bratko, who never left Albania.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday&Sunday
9:00-13:00
Wednesday- Saturday
8:00- 13:00, 16:00-19:00
If you enjoy walking and especially hiking, Morava Mountain is the right destination for you! Right outside of the city, each season, the landscape offers its own particular spectacle of colors. Once there, you’ll also find the Great Cross and the Church of Saint Ilias, the combination of nature and religion making the hike unforgettable.
Mal Morave
If you enjoy walking and especially hiking, Morava Mountain is the right destination for you! Right outside of the city, each season, the landscape offers its own particular spectacle of colors. Once there, you’ll also find the Great Cross and the Church of Saint Ilias, the combination of nature and religion making the hike unforgettable.
Nature meets art and history in Voskopoja, making it a favorite destination for tourists year-round. The town of Voskopoja is renowned for having been a cultural center since 1330 and, over the centuries, more than 24 churches were built there. The city hosted the first printing press outside Istanbul along other important institutions, such as the New Academy. Unfortunately, many of these buildings were eventually destroyed by fires, wars, robberies or earthquakes.
9 locals recommend
Voskopojë
Nature meets art and history in Voskopoja, making it a favorite destination for tourists year-round. The town of Voskopoja is renowned for having been a cultural center since 1330 and, over the centuries, more than 24 churches were built there. The city hosted the first printing press outside Istanbul along other important institutions, such as the New Academy. Unfortunately, many of these buildings were eventually destroyed by fires, wars, robberies or earthquakes.
Old Architecture, Nightlife, Food & Drinks
The Old Bazaar is a must, if only for the beautiful photos you may get out of it. But, of course, it offers much more! While it is a culturally and historically valuable spot, it is its vibrancy and energy that will attract you. Recently renovated, its colors, sounds, and aromas will make sure to please your senses. In addition, here you can find the best souvenirs, from traditional works of craftsmanship to the area’s local agricultural products.
Season does not matter as any time is the right one to visit Korça! While during the winter, the picturesque snow veils the city’s streets, the leisurely walks on the promenade during the spring possess an entirely different feel. But if you only have 24 hours to spend in this wonderful city, below we provide you with the best possible experience of the city.
Morning
Start off the day with a delicious cup of coffee at one of the several cafes around the Old Bazaar. Here, you will immediately feel a natural part of the city! Following the restoration of the Bazaar, this area has become the true heart of the city, buzzing will people and energy all day long. Some of the most popular places in the Bazaar are Cozy Tea or Coffeehouse Komiteti, a cafe-museum whose decor reflects the country’s communist past in its every minute detail.
We strongly suggest walking through the lively Bazaar to hunt for interesting souvenirs or to simply get a better sense of Korça’s lovely atmosphere.
Pazari i Korçës
The Old Bazaar is a must, if only for the beautiful photos you may get out of it. But, of course, it offers much more! While it is a culturally and historically valuable spot, it is its vibrancy and energy that will attract you. Recently renovated, its colors, sounds, and aromas will make sure to please your senses. In addition, here you can find the best souvenirs, from traditional works of craftsmanship to the area’s local agricultural products.
Season does not matter as any time is the right one to visit Korça! While during the winter, the picturesque snow veils the city’s streets, the leisurely walks on the promenade during the spring possess an entirely different feel. But if you only have 24 hours to spend in this wonderful city, below we provide you with the best possible experience of the city.
Morning
Start off the day with a delicious cup of coffee at one of the several cafes around the Old Bazaar. Here, you will immediately feel a natural part of the city! Following the restoration of the Bazaar, this area has become the true heart of the city, buzzing will people and energy all day long. Some of the most popular places in the Bazaar are Cozy Tea or Coffeehouse Komiteti, a cafe-museum whose decor reflects the country’s communist past in its every minute detail.
We strongly suggest walking through the lively Bazaar to hunt for interesting souvenirs or to simply get a better sense of Korça’s lovely atmosphere.
Nature & Food
Thanks to its position at 1344 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains and forests, Dardha is the perfect vacation spot for all seasons. Its extremely clean air revives both body and soul and, during the winter, the green forests and houses made of stone are all covered in snow, granting the place a fairy-tale appearance. This 300-year old village is a cozy place that looks and feels like home. And, like Voskopoja, Dardha is also a skiing resort. It's also famous for Two-layered lakror (pie) baked in saç (copper pan) The pie is typically made with onions and tomatoes, nettles, spinach, as well as pickled white cabbage, called arme. The lakror is baked in a large copper pan, heated by embers, a process which gives the finished product its super toasty delicious taste. There is also a choice for meatlovers, fresh lamp meat on the spit.
Dardhe
Thanks to its position at 1344 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains and forests, Dardha is the perfect vacation spot for all seasons. Its extremely clean air revives both body and soul and, during the winter, the green forests and houses made of stone are all covered in snow, granting the place a fairy-tale appearance. This 300-year old village is a cozy place that looks and feels like home. And, like Voskopoja, Dardha is also a skiing resort. It's also famous for Two-layered lakror (pie) baked in saç (copper pan) The pie is typically made with onions and tomatoes, nettles, spinach, as well as pickled white cabbage, called arme. The lakror is baked in a large copper pan, heated by embers, a process which gives the finished product its super toasty delicious taste. There is also a choice for meatlovers, fresh lamp meat on the spit.
Food scene
This is one of my favorite restaurants that doesnt cook traditional food. We go there usually when we want to eat something tasty and refreshing. My favorites are: chicken breasts with truffle sauce, green salad with strawberries, BBQ calamari.
FindFour
Bulevardi RepublikaThis is one of my favorite restaurants that doesnt cook traditional food. We go there usually when we want to eat something tasty and refreshing. My favorites are: chicken breasts with truffle sauce, green salad with strawberries, BBQ calamari.
Its a locals favorite place not too far from Korca. Boboshtica is a small village with lots of restaurants "Taverna" which are well known for lamp on spit. This one is our favorite Taverna till now. They usually bring fresh and delicious roasted meat. Also you can order (Petulla te fshira) Flat pancakes/ cheese crepes with melting cheese and garlic ( Super tasty) but you can find this one also in the center of Korca.
Taverna Antoneta
Its a locals favorite place not too far from Korca. Boboshtica is a small village with lots of restaurants "Taverna" which are well known for lamp on spit. This one is our favorite Taverna till now. They usually bring fresh and delicious roasted meat. Also you can order (Petulla te fshira) Flat pancakes/ cheese crepes with melting cheese and garlic ( Super tasty) but you can find this one also in the center of Korca.
Lakror, a savory slightly moist pastry with a variety of vegetable and meat fillings, is the symbol of Korça’s cuisine. While you can have versions of it around the country, none of them compare to the way Korça makes them! The best place to have your first taste of this southern delicacy is at Taverna Vasili. You can even call the tavern ahead of time and they will be more than happy to prepare lakror especially for you and serve it fresh and warm once you arrive! Phone number: +355 82 246 610.
Taverna Vasili
Rruga Kostandina GaceLakror, a savory slightly moist pastry with a variety of vegetable and meat fillings, is the symbol of Korça’s cuisine. While you can have versions of it around the country, none of them compare to the way Korça makes them! The best place to have your first taste of this southern delicacy is at Taverna Vasili. You can even call the tavern ahead of time and they will be more than happy to prepare lakror especially for you and serve it fresh and warm once you arrive! Phone number: +355 82 246 610.
Sightseeing & Sports
Located in Drenova , Ski Pista Bigell is one of the famous points where locals and tourists want to go skiing during winter season. The Bigëll Ski Resort has 2 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and 2 lifts to transport guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,585 and 1,663 m
Ski Pista Bigell
Located in Drenova , Ski Pista Bigell is one of the famous points where locals and tourists want to go skiing during winter season. The Bigëll Ski Resort has 2 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and 2 lifts to transport guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,585 and 1,663 m