Pogradec, have you fully explored it?

Pogradec, have you fully explored it?
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The City of Pogradec was settled in the Neolithic period, situated in an amazing landscape of blue set against a green background, surrounded by a ring of mountains. Lake Ohrid, the deepest lake in the Balkans, was created more than two million years ago, and its shores are home to unique cultural monuments. As part of this special natural and cultural heritage, the people living in the area have developed and preserved culinary traditions, crafts, artisanship and provided hospitality for visitors over the millennia.

If you ask a tourist to name the attractions in Pogradec, in addition to Lake Ohrid they will mention the Basilica at Lin, the castle at Pogradec, Kamje Stone”, Golik Bridge, and the Tombs of Lower Selca. If you ask a tourist or a resident, whether they have explored these places, few will answer yes, as a result of the lack of investment made in these iconic monuments. It is difficult for travelers to access and explore the magic of these places and experience the history they possess. These monuments are not fully unveiled to the public, rather, they lie forgotten and abandoned. However, the tourism sector of Pogradec Municipality has some ideas on how to develop these places and turn them into must-see destinations.
Basilica of Lin. All of the local population, and also some people from outside the municipality, know of its historical importance. It should be fully or partially opened to the public. Currently, only a small part of the basilica mosaic can be seen.
The architecture of the baptistery is rare, comparable only with the one at Butrint, which is why it should be unveiled to the public to display proudly to the community and visitors the rich heritage of this region. Information points, signage, photographs and descriptions about the artifacts, including the basilica rooms, are needed and they should be discreetly installed in order to preserve the ambience of the place and also because the experience of discovery that one gains is unique and incomparable with over-promoted sites. A tourist office could be set up to offer tickets to visitors, while specialists must be employed to care for the maintenance and preservation of this historical place.
Guri Kamjes (Kamje Stone). Very few people manage to climb its top. This is a unique place, where a rock, formed millions of years ago and exposed from erosion, is inscribed with ancient scripts. However, as this natural monument is difficult to reach very few people make it to the top. If the paths around Guri Kamjes would be improved more people of all ages could enjoy the amazing panorama of the whole Mokra region and the lake. Signage needs to be installed along with information on the history and legends of this unique natural monument.
Pogradec Castle. If you get to the Fortress, you will still wonder if there is any survived element to indicate that you are in the ruins of a fortress or not. The panorama is excellent, although there is no information on display about this castle. This place is an excellent panorama view point but also needs signage, including on how to reach it. The road should be improved for visitors to walk along or ride a bike. With relatively small investments this castle can be promoted for cultural and ecotourism, with explanations given inside the castle area to inform visitors of its history and that of the local inhabited areas. A panoramic balcony with telescope could be installed where visitors can stay and enjoy the view of the whole city of Pogradec.
Some recommendations have been made by the tourism sector at Pogradec Municipality that need to be addressed by central government, since protected monuments fall under their jurisdiction and no-one else can undertake restoration work or modify the building. It is essential that this monument is not damaged, but preserved and made accessible to visitors. Pogradec has much potential in tourism, and not just for the summer, but throughout the whole year. We are open to seeing more investments, more projects, to make these natural, cultural and historical assets more prominent and visible, bringing pride to the community of the Lake Ohrid region.