Largësitë

Largësitë is a small settlement situated in the highlands of northern Albania, within the municipality of Malësi e Madhe in Shkodër County. The locality lies at an elevation of roughly 850 metres above sea level, surrounded by dense coniferous forests and rugged limestone outcrops that characterize the Dinaric Alps region. According to the most recent census conducted by the Albanian Institute of Statistics, the village’s population stands at around 150 residents, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past decade.

Historically, Largësitë has been part of the traditional tribal structures that once governed the broader Malësia area. Evidence of early medieval settlement, including stone burial mounds and fortification remnants, suggests continuous habitation since at least the 13th century. In the Ottoman period, the community was recorded as a modest tributary hamlet under the jurisdiction of the Sanjak of Scutari, contributing primarily to the regional economy through pastoralism and the cultivation of barley and rye.

The local economy is predominantly pastoral, with sheep and goat herding forming the main source of livelihood. In recent years, fruit orchards of apples and plums have expanded due to favorable microclimatic conditions. Small-scale logging also contributes to household income, though forest management regulations limit large-scale activity to preserve biodiversity.

Largësitë maintains a close cultural connection to the broader Malësia cultural sphere, reflected in customary practices such as the tradition of "fis," communal territorial pride, and the customary law system known as "Lexikë." The settlement’s architectural style is typical of the region, featuring stone-built houses with slate roofs. The local church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, serves as a focal point for community gatherings and annual religious celebrations.