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Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ad Quintum was an ancient settlement and a Roman thermal complex in Illyricum, near Bradashesh, present-day Albania. Ad Quintum was a mutatio of the Via Egnatia, which connected western Illyria with eastern Thrace, from the two starting points of Dyrrhachium and Apollonia, to Byzantium. The two branches of the first part of the Via Egnatia converged at Ad Quintum, then the road continued eastwards through the valley of the Shkumbin.
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At least two bath houses with quiet hot waters (60°C and up). This is closer to Tirana than Elbasan but the facilities are maintained poorly. The springs that feeds the baths here is the hottest spring in Albania, even though it is actually a well where hot water was discovered by accident.
Only two ancient walls remain but the area inside is full of old houses and famous personalities houses, cobblestone streets, and an excellent restaurant. One castle wall is centred around the impressive sahati (clock tower). In the center of the castle are two water sources. The two-thousand-year-old Castle of Elbasan, a Roman construction built as early as the 3rd century BC. Foreigners in the 800s noted that cities like Elbasan no longer existed in Europe. Skampis, as this fortress-town was once called, was founded in 1466 by two strikingly different leaders: the Roman emperor Justinian and Sultan Mehmet the Second.
Tourist spot
Byshek, a tourist place 5 km near Elbasan, on the occasion of Summer Day, all the people from Elbasan organize a picnic, with celebrations and traditional food.
Sofra e Shpatit is a traditional guesthouse and restaurant located in the scenic village of Gjinar, near Elbasan. It offers cozy accommodations with mountain views and serves authentic Albanian cuisine made from local ingredients. Ideal for a peaceful retreat in nature, it combines comfort, local flavors, and warm hospitality.
Bujtina Bezhani is a traditional guesthouse located in the picturesque village of Gjinar. Housed on the second floor of a family residence, it offers visitors a cozy and authentic rural experience. The guesthouse is surrounded by lush greenery, fruit orchards, and a beautiful garden, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation. Guests can enjoy homemade meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, immersing themselves in the rich culinary traditions of the region. The host's warm hospitality and the serene environment make it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Albanian countryside experience.
The cabins in Gjinar, nestled in the scenic Shpati mountains near Elbasan, offer a peaceful escape into nature and are a great example of agrotourism in Albania. Surrounded by pine forests, fresh mountain air, and traditional farms, these cozy wooden cabins provide visitors with a chance to experience rural life, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in seasonal agricultural activities. Ideal for families, couples, or nature lovers, the cabins offer simple but comfortable accommodations in a tranquil setting.