Pogradec-Castle Hill Path
After climbing for almost 30 minutes on foot, we will be faced with an amazing view of Lake Ohrid where we will almost have it in the palm of our hand. The city castle will also offer us a wide view of the city of Pogradec. The view of the city and the Lake here is wonderful and ideal for inspiring painters. During the trip, tourists will stop at the top of the hill to enjoy the view as well as to get acquainted with the history of the city castle, the history of the Illyrian tribe of Enkeledëve, as well as the history of creation and population of the city of Pgradec.
Pogradec Castle is located southwest of Lake Ohrid, above the town of Pogradec, on a hill about 800 m high. The earliest traces of habitation belong to the century. V p.l.K when it existed as an unfortified settlement. In the century. IV p.l.K, it is equipped with protective walls and begins to serve as a small civic center whose inhabitants were mainly engaged in agriculture, fishing and various crafts. This center also had relations with neighboring settlements. In the second half of the century. II p.l.K, during the Illyrian-Roman-Macedonian wars, the settlement is destroyed by a powerful fire which may have been caused during a battle between opposing forces. This is also confirmed by archaeological excavations which have identified traces of a layer of ash belonging to the cultural layer of the century. II p.l.K. After the wars, the inhabitants rebuilt the settlement but did not surround it again with walls because during this period, which coincides with the Roman period, the territories occupied by Rome, including the Pogradec region, experienced a three-century era of peace during which it was not necessary fortification of the settlement. The beginning of barbarian invasions in the century. IV AD brought the need to rebuild the surrounding walls which were built on the traces of the ancient wall. This new fortification served the inhabitants until the century. IX AD when the settlement was destroyed by Slavic invaders and was eventually abandoned by the inhabitants, who went to live at its foot.
This trail starts from the city center of Pogradec where you will travel on foot for 30 minutes to the top of the hill of Kala (hiking trail). The distance between Pogradec to Kkodra e Kalas is 3.3 km.
The road to the top of the hill is not paved and can be done with a high 4x4 jeep.
