population: 75,994 million
extension: 805.99 square kilometers
If you're in Korçë and want to visit museums, a great place to start would be the National Museum of Medieval Art. It is located in the city center and features an impressive collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art.
If you're interested in other types of museums, there are several options in the area. For history buffs, the Korçë Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse into the region's ancient past. The Korçë National Museum, located in a beautiful historic building, showcases the city's cultural heritage. Finally, the Oriental Art Museum displays art and artifacts from Albania's Ottoman era, as well as from other parts of Asia.
Korçë is known for its delicious cuisine, influenced by both Albanian and Greek culinary traditions. Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try according to locals in Korçë are:
1. Pispili: A traditional dish made with lamb or beef that is slowly cooked with onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
2. Tavë Kosi: A baked dish consisting of lamb or beef, rice, and yogurt sauce.
3. Qofte Korçare: These are Korçë-style meatballs made with minced beef or lamb mixed with onions, garlic, and spices.
4. Byrek: A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.
5. Lakror: A type of pie made with a cornmeal crust and filled with spinach and feta cheese.
6. Flia: A layered pancake made with cornmeal and served with honey or yogurt.
7. Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.
8. Raki: A traditional Albanian alcoholic drink made from grapes or plums.
These dishes are not only locally loved but also represent the cultural taste of Albania's cuisine.
There are several fun activities that locals enjoy in Korçë, Albania. Here are a few:
1. Visit the Old Bazaar: The Old Bazaar is a historic market area in Korçë where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Albanian food.
2. Hike to Mount Morava: Mount Morava is a popular hiking destination near Korçë, offering scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
3. Attend a cultural festival: Korçë is known for its lively festivals celebrating music, dance, and food throughout the year.
4. Explore the city's parks: Locals enjoy spending time in the city's green spaces, such as the Parku Rinia or the Parku i Madh.
5. Take a cooking class: Albanian cuisine is delicious and unique, and many locals offer cooking classes to visitors who want to learn how to make traditional dishes.
6. Visit a winery: Korçë is home to some excellent wineries, and locals enjoy visiting them to taste local wines and learn about the winemaking process.
7. Enjoy the nightlife: Korçë has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues that locals love to frequent.