Monumental Tombs of Selcë e Poshtme
Fshati: Selcë e Poshtme, Njësia Administrative: Proptisht, Bashkia: Pogradec
The Monumental Tombs of Selca lie on the eastern face of the hill known as Gradishtë, where the remains of the Illyrian city of Selcë e Poshtme are found. The tombs are located between the acropolis and the outer quarters of the former city. They are carved into the rock face of the hill and date from the 4th–3rd century BC. Excavations here have uncovered 5 monumental tombs grouped in three areas about 100 m apart. The first area contains tombs no. 1, 2 and 3, carved into the rock; the second contains tomb no. 4, also rock-cut; and the third contains tomb no. 5, built with a stone vault. The Monumental Tombs of Selca are an important part of the Illyrian city of Selcë e Poshtme and its best-known architectural feature. They were built during the period when the city was at the height of its development.
Monument record
- Ownership
- State-owned
- Current use
- Cultural site
- Original use
- Necropolis
- Dating
- 4th–3rd century BC
- Declared a monument
- Ministry of Education and Culture, Decision no. 586, Law no. 609 dated 24.05.1948 and Decision no. 4874, 1971
- Monument category
- I – First
- Current condition
- All the monumental tombs can be visited and are in relatively good condition today. The burial chamber of tomb no. 2 is permanently filled with water, so please take care. Since 2010 the area occupied by the tombs and the Illyrian city has been declared an Archaeological Zone A, protected by law by the Albanian state.
- Distance from Pogradec city centre
- 42 km to the north-west.
How to get there
At present the road from Pogradec to the village of Golik is in very good condition, while from the turn-off towards Mokra (in Golik) to Selcë e Poshtme the road is in poor condition due to ongoing reconstruction. Buses with more than 30 passengers are advised to go only as far as the village of Urakë. From there to Selcë e Poshtme, it is advisable to travel by minibus or small car.
What it offers
- Cultural Monument
