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Selca e Poshtme

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Selca e Poshtme (Albania)

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Selca e Poshtme is one of Albania's most significant archaeological sites, renowned for its monumental Illyrian royal tombs dating from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Located in the Mokra Mountains near Pogradec, the site was once part of the ancient city of Pelion. The tombs are carved directly into the solid rock, showcasing a unique blend of local Illyrian traditions and Hellenistic architectural influences. Particularly impressive is Tomb II, which features an Ionic-style facade and sculpted details signifying the high status of the buried rulers. Archaeological excavations have yielded rich funerary goods, including gold jewelry, weapons, and pottery, now displayed at the National History Museum in Tirana. Selca e Poshtme served as a vital center for the Illyrian tribes of the Enchelei or Dessaretes, playing a strategic role on the frontier with Macedon. Today, the site is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list, offering an extraordinary insight into the funerary customs and political structures of ancient Illyria.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C015914192222171261
Rain mm766864616144302970819292

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Selca e Poshtme archaeological site can be visited during daylight hours. Access to the rock-cut Illyrian royal tombs is typically free, though a small entrance fee may be charged occasionally.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are not fixed; the site is typically accessible from sunrise to sunset. During summer months, a local caretaker may adjust opening times flexibly.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. Inside the tomb chambers, natural light filters in, so no flash is needed.
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Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour for a thorough visit. Those interested in Illyrian history may easily spend one and a half hours on site.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Pogradec town and Lake Ohrid. A detour to the Byzantine church in Lin is also worthwhile.
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Getting there
The parking area is about 200 meters from the entrance, accessed via a gravel road. A short trail leads downhill directly to the tombs.
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Insider tip
Visit the site in the morning to catch soft light for photos. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
40.99030, 20.51810

Facts

  • Royal Illyrian tombs dating to the 4th-3rd century BC.
  • Funerary structures carved into the living rock face.
  • Located near the ancient Illyrian city of Pelion.
  • Excavations revealed rich gold jewelry and weaponry.
  • Features Ionic architectural elements on tomb facades.
  • Currently on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PrrenjasPrrenjas9 km · NExplore →
Guri i Nikës Nature ReserveGuri i Nikës Nature Reserve9 km · SExplore →
Lake Ohrid (Albanian part)Lake Ohrid (Albanian part)12 km · EExplore →
LinLin12 km · NEExplore →
Pogradec FortressPogradec Fortress14 km · SEExplore →
Lake OhridLake Ohrid17 km · EExplore →
Golik BridgeGolik Bridge18 km · SWExplore →
DrilonDrilon19 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Selca e Poshtme (6)

Gradishta e Selcës

Archaeological site in Selca e Poshtme, remains of a fortification.

Tomb 4

Burial chamber in Selca e Poshtme, part of the Illyrian necropolis.

Illiric's Kings Tombs

Illyrian royal tombs, a Tentative World Heritage site in Albania.

Tomb 3

Burial chamber in Selca e Poshtme, part of the Illyrian necropolis.

Temporary Waterfall

Waterfall near Selca e Poshtme, created by the overflow of a power station.

Golik Bridge

Ottoman bridge in Albania, a historic structure.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme?
They are five monumental rock-cut Illyrian tombs dating from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
Where exactly are they located?
Near the town of Pogradec, on the slope of Mount Gradishta above the village of Selca.
Is access difficult?
The drive via mountain roads can be bumpy. An off-road vehicle is recommended.
Can you go inside the tombs?
Yes, you can enter the rock-cut chambers and see the ancient architecture up close.
Are there explanations or guides there?
The site is often unstaffed. It is advisable to research beforehand as there are few info signs on site.
Selca e Poshtme: where is it located?
Selca e Poshtme is located in Albania.
Selca e Poshtme: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gradishta e Selcës, Tomb 4, Illiric's Kings Tombs.
Selca e Poshtme: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Selca e Poshtme: why is it worth visiting?
Selca e Poshtme is one of Albania's most significant archaeological sites, renowned for its monumental Illyrian royal tombs dating from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
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