It was opened in 1967, but over the years it has undergone many renovations to now meet UEFA standards for European competitions. In 2014, major works were carried out to make it one of the most modern stadiums in the Balkans. Its capacity is 12,800 seats. The inauguration of the stadium in its current form took place on October 11, 2014 with the Euro 2016 qualifying game, Albania – Denmark 1-1. Surrounding the stadium are restaurants and Rinia Park.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ELBASAN ARENA
*** *** It is about 15 minutes walk from the center of Elbasan
ELBASAN: THE CITY – FORTRESS
The name of the city means “The Fortress” and there are traces from the Ottoman period that offer a special beauty. The Muslim temples, the churches, the various attractions, the wonderful architecture, the warm inhabitants and the History that starts from antiquity, are some elements that give Elbasan a charm. Browse its alleys and discover every corner that hides incredible “treasures” that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Currency: Albanian Lek
Calling Code: +355
Nearest airports from city center: Tirana Airport (56km), Kukes Airport (191km), Podgorica Airport (202km), Dubrovnik Airport (237km), Tivat Airport (241km), Skopje Airport (277km), Pristina Airport (284km), Ioannina Airport (290km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** ELBASAN CASTLE (437J+5PG, Elbasan)
It dates from 1466 and is a fortress – a landmark for the city. It hides irons from the Roman Emperor Justinian and Sultan Mehmet the Second.
*** KING MOSQUE (12 Xhaferr Kongoli Street, Elbasan)
It was founded in 1485 by Sultan Bayezid and is one of the oldest active mosques in the country.
*** KULLA E SAHATIT
The Clock Tower is a cultural heritage monument and dates back to 1899.
*** PALEOCHRISTIAN BASILICA (Basilica of Bezistan, Elbasan)
In 2007, the ruins of an early Christian basilica were discovered and are now a cultural heritage monument of the region.
*** CHURCH OF SAINT MARY (438J+65G, Elbasan)
It dates from 1830 and has a distinct architectural value. Now, it has been declared a cultural monument of the city.
*** METALLURGICAL COMBINE (32P9+G7F, SH7, Bradashesh)
The area reflects the huge industry of the past. This industrial center produced iron and steel during the communist regime.
*** SOTIRA WATERFALL
Anyone visiting Elbasan, you can book through a tourist office an excursion to the waterfalls, which are among the most beautiful in the country.
*** NAZIRESHA MOSQUE (434P+3JJ, E852, Elbasan)
It dates from 1599 and was built by the daughter of a Nazir. Since 1948 it has been a cultural heritage monument.
*** ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM (Ethnographic Museum, Street 11 November 3000)
The Sejdin house was turned into a museum in 1986 and you can find many exhibits from handicrafts, clothes and everything related to a typical Elbasan residence.
*** ST. PETER’S ALBANIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH (438J+946, Elbasan)
The Byzantine Catholic Church is a magnificent architectural church with an important history and tradition.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** If you have time, then the Xhaferr Hakani museum is worth a visit.
*** Art Qaja Galeri is also a place you could visit if you are an art lover.
*** Rinia Park is a place of relaxation for locals and visitors.
*** Masjid Al-noor Mengel is a place of prayer for Muslims and a magnificent architectural building.
FOOD AND DRINK
You can find cuisines from many parts of the world. Try the local cuisine and you will be impressed. In particular, order qifqi, pilaf and qebap, tavë krapi, dolma, grosh (bean soup), tavë kosi, byrek and tarator. Also try tava me pistil, porridge with walnuts called qulli me arra and baked turkey and rice. Nice sweets worth visiting are kadaifi, trilece and ballokume (traditional biscuits). Albanian cuisine is mainly Mediterranean and includes seafood, fish, meat, vegetables and plenty of oil. Beer and raki are two drinks worth pairing with your meal.
WHERE TO STAY
You will find many hotels and apartments both in the city center and at a distance of 5km from the centre. You will find many options for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Elbasani Store is a place worth visiting to do your shopping.
*** Ormes also is a commercial department store for your shopping.
*** To relax, it has several spa and massage areas.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot.
CITIES NEAR ELBASAN
Major cities close to Elbasan are Tirana (40km), Durres (75km), Ohrid (91km), Shkoder (140km), Kastoria (179km), Podgorica (199km), Skopje (256km), Ioannina (293km), Pristina (298km), Dubrovnik (312km).
