Korça

Korçë is a city in southeastern Albania and the administrative center of Korçë County. It sits on the eastern side of the country near the borders with North Macedonia and Greece, on a high plains area surrounded by hills. The city functions as a regional cultural and economic hub for the southeastern part of Albania.

The area has a long history, with traces from ancient Illyrian settlements, followed by Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Under the Ottoman Empire Korçë developed as a market town and gateway to the eastern Balkans. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it became a focal point of the Albanian national awakening, fostering education and cultural life that contributed to national identity.

Korçë has a rich cultural heritage reflected in its architecture, religious buildings, and public spaces. The city has played a role in Albanian literature and education, hosting schools, cultural societies, and publishing activity that promoted the Albanian language. It continues to host theaters, museums, and cultural events that attract visitors from the region.

The economy combines services, trade, light industry, and agricultural activity from the surrounding region. As a regional hub, Korçë links southeastern Albania to neighboring countries via road networks and border crossings. The city also hosts higher education institutions and research centers that support local development.

Landmarks and nearby scenery include historic religious buildings and traditional urban areas, as well as museums that illustrate local history and art. The broader Korçë region offers natural landscapes with valleys and hills, making the area a destination for cultural tourism and outdoor activities.