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Antigonea

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Antigonea was founded in 295 BC by King Pyrrhus of Epirus and named after his wife, Antigone. Located on a hill near Gjirokastra, the city was designed according to a precise Hippodamian grid system, which was exceptional for ancient urban planning. Antigonea was a fortified city with walls spanning a perimeter of about four kilometers, providing protection for the inhabitants of the Drino Valley. However, the city had a short lifespan; it was completely destroyed and burned in 167 BC by Roman troops under General Paulus Aemilius as retaliation for resistance during the Third Macedonian War. Archaeological excavations have yielded significant finds, including bronze statues, elaborate mosaics in residential houses, and numerous agricultural tools. Today, visitors can walk through the ancient streets and see the ruins of the city gates, the agora, and early Christian churches that bear witness to the city's brief but brilliant history.

Location: Albania
Top sights: Kalaja e Jermës · Stoa · Antigona City Centre
Nearby: Libohovë (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	7	10	13	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	119	104	91	58	50	28	16	24	84	110	140	150

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The ruins of Antigonea are freely accessible and can be visited at any time. The remains of residential quarters and defensive walls are outdoors.

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Typical hours

As it is an open archaeological site, there are no fixed opening hours. Visiting during daylight is recommended to safely explore the structures.

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Photography

Photography is allowed across the entire site without restrictions. The sprawling ruins against the mountain backdrop offer impressive photo subjects.

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Time needed

Allow about one hour for a walk through the main area. For a hike to the more distant sections, plan for two hours.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with nearby Gjirokastra city and its UNESCO-protected old town. The ruins of Hadrianopolis are also worth a detour.

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Getting there

Antigonea is about 15 kilometers southeast of Gjirokastra and reachable via an asphalted road. The final approach is on an unpaved road, passable with a normal car.

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Insider tip

Bring a water bottle as there are no food facilities on site. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to the uneven terrain.

Geography

Coordinates

40.08640, 20.22230

Facts

Founded in 295 BC by the Epirote King Pyrrhus.
The city walls have a perimeter of approximately 4 kilometers.
The city was completely destroyed by the Romans in 167 BC.
Follows a strict geometric grid street system (Hippodamian).
The most significant find is a bronze statue of the god Poseidon.
Features a 6th-century church with a well-preserved mosaic.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lunxhëria Mountain2 km · NWExplore →

Gjirokastra Castle7 km · WExplore →

Libohovë7 km · SEExplore →

Church of Labovë e Kryqit8 km · NExplore →

Hadrianopolis10 km · SExplore →

Hoshtevë Bridge10 km · NExplore →

Dropull Valley11 km · SExplore →

Mali i Gjerë14 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Antigonea (5)

Kalaja e Jermës

Castle ruins on a hill near Antigonea, with wall and tower remains.

Stoa

Hellenistic colonnaded hall in the ancient city of Antigonea.

Antigona City Centre

Centre of the ancient city Antigonea, with agora and public buildings.

Antigonea Archaeological Park

Archaeological park, ancient town of Epirus, founded by King Pyrrhus.

Gërmadha

Ruins area with wall fragments and building foundations near Antigonea.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the city of Antigonea?

King Pyrrhus of Epirus founded the city in the 3rd century BC.

Why was it destroyed so quickly?

Roman troops burned the city to the ground in 167 BC as an act of revenge.

What can you see today in the archaeological park?

Ruins of city gates, streets, and foundations of ancient houses.

Where is Antigonea located?

Near Gjirokastër, on Jerma hill above the Drino valley.

What is the specialty of the urban planning?

It was laid out according to a strict chessboard pattern (Hippodamian system).

Antigonea: where is it located?

Antigonea is located in Albania.

Antigonea: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kalaja e Jermës, Stoa, Antigona City Centre.

Antigonea: when is the best time to visit?