Moscopole (Voskopojë) is a magical tourist green village that combines with its rich culture, traditions and landscape harmoniously unified to give a permanent tourist value. It is located at a distance of 21 km from Korçë, in the mountains of southeastern Albania, at an altitude of 1160 meters. The village is known for its centuries-old civilization since 1330, stunning scenery, numerous churches and frescoes, which have in themselves a precious cultural heritage and organic food or traditional dishes. Precisely this artistic and architectural heritage served in numerous churches of the village are rich with images of icons of wall paintings that unfold before tourists’ village, which once stood on the list of the most important cities in the Balkans.
Moscopole biggest boom has been in 1764, when its population reached about 30,000 inhabitants. The blooming peak was reached in early 18th century, being described as “the rests of Epirus trade” and the “second largest city in the Ottoman Empire, after Istanbul”. In that period there were 25 churches with frescoes of the most coveted and have not remained more than 8 churches. A printing press was also operating in Moscopole which was the second one in the Ottoman Europe after that of Constantinople. In 1744 one prestigious educational institution was created which as known as New Academy and in 1770, the first dictionary of four modern Balkan languages (Greek, Albanian, Vlach/Aromanian and Bulgarian) was published here. The town has broad cobbled streets, sidewalks and sewers, fragments of which can still be seen today. Moscopole is evaluated as an important historical center of Korca region with the cultural heritage.
Moscopole widely developed the mountain tourism. There is a combination of mild valley climate in the lower parts and true Alpine climate in the higher regions. Favorable climate conditions make this center ideal for winter, summer, sport, recreation tourism. Moscopole is known, among other things, for the rich cuisine, culture which offers a variety of organic food for tourists. Each year on 24 June is organized the fair “Tourist Day “with the participation from all over the region, where are exposed agricultural and livestock products, craft, gastronomic, historical and cultural products. At the same time the day is a festive day, with rich artistic programs, hiking, horse walk, bicycle etc. The beautiful environment offers a warm and friendly atmosphere which strings along with a traditional kitchen.
Moscopole is declared by the Government a Historic and Touristic Area. The reassessment of such heritage has enabled its further recognition and the development of tourism.
Learn more about the Albanian region of Korcä.
