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Korça Brewery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Korça Brewery, established in 1928, is the first of its kind in Albania and serves as a symbol of the city's industrial heritage. It was founded by Italian investor Umberto Umberti and local entrepreneur Selim Mborja, reflecting the international economic ties of the era. Korça was selected as the site due to the exceptional water quality sourced from the nearby Morava Mountains, a critical factor for high-quality brewing. During the communist period, the factory was nationalized and significantly expanded to meet national demand. Following the transition in 1990, the brewery faced a difficult period before being privatized and completely modernized in 2004. Today, it employs advanced Czech and Italian technologies to produce various beer varieties that have received multiple international awards. The brewery is not only a major employer in the region but also an integral component of Korça's cultural and economic identity.

Location: Albania
Top sights: Banesa e Vëllazërisë Frashëri · Banesa e Andromaqi Melkos · National Museum of Education
Nearby: Libonik (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	1	5	9	14	19	23	23	17	12	7	1
Rain mm	58	56	55	52	57	45	33	33	60	70	72	77

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

As the first and most historic brewery in Albania, Birra Korça represents a major milestone in the nation's food and beverage industry. It functions both as a modern production facility and a celebrated symbol of local brewing heritage.

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Visiting

Unlike purely industrial sites, this beverage facility typically welcomes visitors for organized tasting sessions and guided historical tours. Travelers can usually access dedicated hospitality areas like the traditional beer garden attached.

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Where to view it

The characteristic brick architecture of the original brewing buildings can be perfectly admired directly from the adjacent city streets. The integrated public restaurant provides the most comfortable vantage point to soak in the atmosphere.

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Local products

Freshly brewed drafts, ranging from light blonds to rich dark beers, are the primary specialty available directly at the source. The adjoining culinary venues usually serve hearty traditional Albanian meat dishes that perfectly complement the drinks.

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Active season

Summer evenings are exceptionally lively when the outdoor beer garden becomes a spirited hub for both locals and tourists enjoying the mild climate. The actual brewing operations proceed continuously across the entire calendar year.

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Nearby

Following a refreshing tasting session, travelers can easily wander toward the beautifully restored Old Bazaar of Korça located just a short distance away. The town's prominent Orthodox Cathedral is also highly recommended for a cultural walk.

Geography

Coordinates

40.61900, 20.78200

Facts

The brewery officially commenced operations on October 1, 1928
After the 2004 modernization, capacity increased to 120,000 hectoliters per year
Birra Korça won the International Quality Crown Award in London in 2009
The factory utilizes water from springs located at an altitude of 1,200 meters
The annual Korça Beer Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors
The brewery employs state-of-the-art Czech filtration technology

Explore nearby

Notable places around

National Museum of Medieval Art<1 km · SExplore →

Fir of Drenovë National Park5 km · SExplore →

Morava Mountain Park6 km · EExplore →

Mount Morava7 km · SEExplore →

Libonik11 km · NWExplore →

Dardhë12 km · SExplore →

Maliq12 km · NWExplore →

Pojan13 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Korça Brewery (10)

Banesa e Vëllazërisë Frashëri

Banesa e Vëllazërisë Frashëri is a cultural monument in Albania. The house of the Frashëri brothers is protected.

Banesa e Andromaqi Melkos

Banesa e Andromaqi Melkos is a cultural monument in Albania. The residence of Andromaqi Melko is protected.

National Museum of Education 🏛 museum

The National Museum of Education is a historical museum in Korçë. It presents the history of education in Albania.

🕒 Mo off; Tu-Su 09:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00💶

Gjon Mili Museum 🏛 museum

The Gjon Mili Museum is a museum in Korçë. It is dedicated to the photographer Gjon Mili.

🌐 ejalbum.com🕒 Mo off; Tu-Su 09:00-14:00, 17:00-19:00

Cathedral of the Resurrection

The Cathedral of the Resurrection is a cathedral in Korçë, Albania. It is dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ.

Red Tower

The Red Tower is an attraction in Korçë. A red tower stands out in the cityscape.

Banesa e Fani Kota (Pjastoros)

Banesa e Fani Kota (Pjastoros) is a cultural monument in Albania. The house of Fani Kota is protected.

Korçë Archaeological Musem🏛 museum

The Korçë Archaeological Museum is an archaeological museum in Korçë. It displays finds from the region.

Andon Zako Çajupi theatre

The Andon Zako Çajupi theatre is a theatre in Korçë, Albania. It is named after the writer Andon Zako Çajupi.

Vendodhja e Kalase se Korces🏰 castle

Vendodhja e Kalase se Korces is a castle site. The location of the former castle of Korçë is here.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Korça brewery?

Founded in 1928, it is the first Albanian brewery.

Can you visit the brewery?

Yes, there is often the possibility for tours and tastings on-site.

Is there a restaurant at the brewery?

Yes, the Birra Korça restaurant is famous for fresh beer and grilled specialties.

When is the beer festival in Korça?

The festival is held annually in August and is one of the largest in the country.

What types of beer are brewed?

Mainly pale lager (Blonde) and a special dark beer (Dunkel).

Korça Brewery: where is it located?

Korça Brewery is located in Albania.

Korça Brewery: what is there to see?

Highlights include Banesa e Vëllazërisë Frashëri, Banesa e Andromaqi Melkos, National Museum of Education.

Korça Brewery: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Korça Brewery: why is it worth visiting?

The Korça Brewery, established in 1928, is the first of its kind in Albania and serves as a symbol of the city's industrial heritage.

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