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Persqop Castle: Echoes of Illyrian History

Discover Persqop Castle: An ancient Illyrian city near Tirana with impressive ruins and panoramic views, offering a glimpse into Albania's history.

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Explore the ruins of Persqop Castle, an ancient Illyrian city dating back to the 4th century BC, near Tirana. Discover the remnants of its strategic walls and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, offering a glimpse into Albania's rich past.

A brief summary to Persqop Castle

  • 6VX8+PP6, Petrelë, AL

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the castle ruins.
  • Bring water, especially during hot days, as there are limited facilities.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Petrela Castle for a fuller historical experience.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the path can be slippery when wet.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Tirana, head south towards Petrele. Once in Petrele village, follow the signs for Persqop Castle. Drive to the center of Petrela village and then walk on a good rural road to the ruins of the city. From the center of the village take the road to the left, in the opposite direction of the fortress of Petrela. Note that there is no dedicated parking at the castle, but you can find street parking nearby.

  • Public Transport

    From Tirana, take a bus heading towards Petrelë. Once you arrive in Petrelë, you may need to walk about 1 kilometer to reach Persqop Castle. Follow the road signs pointing towards the castle. Be prepared for a slight incline as you approach the castle. A single bus fare from Tirana to Petrelë costs approximately 50-100 ALL.

  • Taxi

    Consider hiring a taxi from Tirana to Petrelë. The taxi ride should take about 25 minutes, and the cost will typically range from 1,500 to 2,000 ALL (Albanian Lek). Inform the driver that you wish to go to Persqop Castle, and they will drop you off as close as possible. From there, follow any available paths to the castle entrance.

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Discover more about Persqop Castle

Persqop Castle, also known as the ancient city of Brysaka, is located south of Tirana, near Petrela Castle, on Mount Vila. This ancient Illyrian settlement dates back to the 4th century BC and was inhabited by the Partheni tribe. The city's strategic position, 590 meters above sea level, allowed it to control the roads around the mountain. Persqop's fortifying wall, one of the best-preserved in Albania, stretches 60 meters long and 7 meters high, featuring ten lines of stones. The entrance, still visible today, measures 2.6 meters wide. The walls are constructed with massive stone blocks without mortar. Inside, remnants of dwellings, an ancient tomb, and an aqueduct that once supplied water from Mount Vila can be found. Brysaka thrived for about 1000 years, from 2500 to 2200 years ago. It controlled the ancient road from Dyrrah (Durrës) through Tirana to Scampin (Elbasan), later part of the Via Egnatia. The city was once the residence of the Illyrian King Glaukia, who sheltered Pyrrhus of Epirus. Although some claim Persqop as the birthplace of Alexander the Great, this remains debated. Today, Persqop offers visitors a chance to connect with antiquity and enjoy the natural surroundings.

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