About Elbasan

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The city of Elbasan is located north of the Shkumbin River, between the Skanderbeg Mountains and the Myzeqe Plain in central Albania.

In antiquity, it appeared on Roman itineraries such as the Tabula Peutingeriana and the Itinerarium Burdigalense under the name Scampis or Hiscampis.

Despite enduring invasions by the Bulgars and Ostrogoths, the city was mentioned by Procopius of Caesarea.

Ruins of an early Christian basilica from the 5th or 6th century AD were uncovered in the Bezistan area.

The site was largely abandoned until the Ottomans established a military base here, followed by urban development under Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1466.

In 1909, Elbasan hosted the Albanian National Congress and became home to Shkolla Normale e Elbasanit, the first teacher training college in Albania.

Facts about Elbasan

Elevation above sea level:

Approximately 150 meters (492 feet) above sea level.

Population:

The city of Elbasan has around 78,000 – 85,000 inhabitants (depending on the source and year).
The Municipality of Elbasan (including surrounding areas) has a population of about 120,000 – 140,000.

Geographic location:

Elbasan is located in central Albania, in the wide valley of the Shkumbin River, surrounded by hills and low mountains.

Geographic coordinates:

41°06′N latitude, 20°05′E longitude.

County: Elbasan

It is the administrative center of Elbasan County and Elbasan Municipality.

Municipal area:

Around 872 km².

Historical and Cultural Features:

Historical Significance:

Elbasan was an important Roman and Ottoman city, known historically as Scampis during Roman times.

Elbasan Castle:

A central historical landmark, built in the 15th century on older Roman foundations.

Religious and cultural diversity:

The city is known for its long tradition of religious coexistence (Muslims, Orthodox, Catholics, and Bektashis).

Climate and Terrain:

Climate:

Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild to cool winters.

Average temperatures:

Summer: around 30–35°C (86–95°F)Winter: around 5–10°C (41–50°F)

Terrain:

Located in a flat valley, making it an important agricultural and industrial hub.