Via Egnatia

This part of the route is especially significant because it passed through the ancient city of Scampis (modern Elbasan), preserving traces of Roman engineering, bridges, and archaeological sites that illustrate the road's role as a major east–west corridor across the Balkans.

Historical significance

Constructed during the 2nd century BC, Via Egnatia connected the Adriatic coast with the eastern provinces of the Roman world, eventually reaching Byzantium (later Constantinople). The Elbasan section followed the Shkumbin Valley, a natural passage through central Albania, making it a crucial link for military movement, trade, and communication for centuries.

The Elbasan section

Around Elbasan, the route passed through the Roman settlement of Scampis, an important station and later a fortified city on the road. The surrounding landscape still contains visible remnants of the ancient roadway, Roman stations, and historic bridges. Modern cultural itineraries in the area connect visitors with sites such as Ad Quintum near Bradashesh, preserved stretches of the paved road, and several historic bridges across streams and the Shkumbin River.

Engineering and heritage

The Elbasan segment is notable for its surviving infrastructure, including Roman-era and later bridges that demonstrate the durability of the route's design. Sections of the road have been incorporated into hiking and cultural tourism trails, allowing visitors to experience both the archaeological remains and the surrounding mountain scenery. The route is considered one of Albania's most important historical travel corridors and remains central to the country's Roman heritage.