Tragjas brings together different perspectives on culture and landscape: in Tragjas i Vjetër, the traces of a ruined village take center stage; at Gjon Boçari Castle, its location on a commanding hill and the views across the surrounding area stand out. Rrepet e Izvorit is defined by karst springs and old plane trees. An 8.5-kilometer route also passes through several of these named places. If you are looking for accommodation in Tragjas, you can base your choice of location on whether you are particularly interested in historic settlement remains, a route or a natural area.
Tragjas i Vjetër: a village as a cultural monument
Tragjas i Vjetër is a ruined village and a cultural monument in Tragjas; it is considered an open-air museum and a quiet testament to the past. A main road runs through the entire length of the village, and the outlines of former homes have been preserved. The historic settlement, with 300 houses, extended along a hillside. Different scales can therefore be seen side by side: the road as a continuous line, the hillside setting of the village and the contours of former houses. The focus is thus not on a single building, but on the settlement layout that has been passed down through the years.
Gjon Boçari Castle: hilltop and panoramic views
Gjon Boçari Castle stands on a commanding hill above the Dukat Plain and the areas of Tragjas and Radhimë. From the defensive towers, the view extends across the Bay of Vlora, the Dukat Plain as far as Orikum, and part of the road to Qafa e Llogarasë. Several landscape features come together here: the bay, the plain, Orikum and a section of the road. This sets the castle apart from Tragjas i Vjetër, where the traces of former buildings define the character of the place.
The “Tragjasit të Vjetër” route
The “Tragjasit të Vjetër” route passes through Orikum, Rrepet e Izvorit in Tragjas, Tragjas i Vjetër and Gjon Boçari Castle. It is 8.5 kilometers long and has a total elevation gain of 300 meters. These figures describe different aspects of the route profile: its distance and the cumulative elevation gain. Together, they can help you factor the route into your plans. Trail conditions and signage may change; check both before setting out.
Rrepet e Izvorit: springs and plane trees
Rrepet e Izvorit is located near Tragjas Fushë, among numerous karst springs. The site includes a small wooded area with more than 100 old plane trees. Rrepet e Izvorit has biological, ecological, educational and tourist significance. The springs and woodland offer a different focus from the historic settlement remains and the castle. This gives you two distinct themes for your trip: cultural monuments and village history on one hand, and a natural area with karst springs and old trees on the other. Rrepet e Izvorit can be reached via the Vlorë–Tragjas Fushë road. As road conditions can change, it is worth checking the route before you travel.
Cultural traditions and other heritage
Tragjas is among the villages known for its dances, polyphonic singing and traditional costumes. The cultural perspective therefore extends beyond the physical traces of the old village: singing, dance and clothing are also defining themes to consider when learning about Tragjas. Another heritage site is the cave between Dukat and Tragjas, which is one of the cultural monuments of Qarku i Vlorës.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Orikum, Upper Qeparo, Vlora, Vuno, Palasë, Radhimë.
Back to the main travel overview: Vlorë.
