TIRANA, Aug 19 /ATA/ Hundreds of Albanian and foreign visitors are exploring central Elbasan, where history, culture and tradition are woven into the city’s historic landscape.

Elbasan Castle has become a key attraction, drawing tourists who wander its narrow lanes, photograph its historic features and experience a glimpse of the city’s rich past.

As soon as visitors pass through the castle gates, it feels as though they leave the noise of the city behind and step into another era. Cobblestone streets wind through history, while ancient walls, traditional houses and traces of centuries-old civilisations give every step a sense of discovery.

Churches, mosques, traditional houses, small souvenir shops, cafés and lively narrow streets form a distinctive mosaic where the past naturally coexists with the present. For tourists, the area is more than a historic monument; it offers an opportunity to experience the city’s way of life, hospitality and traditions firsthand.

Visitors often stop by the castle walls to photograph its architecture, while others wander through its narrow streets, discovering traces of Elbasan’s history and everyday life at every turn.

For many tourists, a stop in Elbasan is more than just a brief visit.

Jonathan, a tourist from England, said that after visiting the castle, he decided to stay in Elbasan for another day to explore more of the city and experience its atmosphere.

“It is a very interesting city and feels very different from the other places we have visited in Albania,” he said.

This experience is encouraging an increasing number of visitors to venture beyond Albania’s better-known tourist destinations and explore cities with a distinct history and character.

With its castle at the centre, Elbasan offers a journey through cultural heritage, architecture and everyday life, all closely intertwined.

Perhaps this is one of Elbasan’s enduring charms: what begins as a brief stop can turn into a longer stay, as visitors pass through the castle gates and discover a city where every narrow street holds a piece of history.

/sm/