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Join Lihnid Tours for an unforgettable journey visiting the ancient Selca burial sites and the historic area of Lini.
Begin your journey with a brief orientation into the Illyrian civilization, focusing on the Dassaretae tribe and their significance in the cultural and political history of southern Illyria.
Set out for the day with a scenic departure from Pogradec, making your way to the charming village of Lin, beautifully situated on a peninsula that stretches into Lake Ohrid. The first stop is the Early Christian Basilica, dating back to the 5th century AD, renowned for its exquisite mosaic floors. A leisurely walk along the Lin Peninsula offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape, while a visit to a Cold War-era bunker adds a compelling glimpse into the country’s more recent past.
Optional stop: Explore the remarkable archaeological site of the Lin Palafitte, one of the oldest Neolithic settlements in Europe, dating back around 8,500 years. Built on wooden stilts above the lake, these prehistoric dwellings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.”
Continuing the tour, we travel through the scenic mountain roads to reach Selca e Poshtme, where a short hike leads us to the Monumental Illyrian Tombs carved into the rock in the 4th century BC. This impressive archaeological complex once formed part of an ancient Illyrian city and reflects the artistic and cultural sophistication of the Illyrian civilization.
Take a short uphill path to the site, where five monumental tombs are carved into the limestone cliffs. As you walk, your guide will point out natural features of the terrain and ancient construction techniques.
Explore the tombs, including Tomb I, the most elaborate, featuring a façade with Ionic columns and carved architectural details. See Tombs II and III, demonstrating the fusion of Hellenistic and Illyrian burial styles, including chamber designs and niches for offerings. Visit Tombs IV and V, less preserved but still significant in understanding Illyrian funerary customs.
From the top of the hill, enjoy a panoramic view over the valley and discuss the strategic position of the site, its proximity to Via Egnatia, and its role as a royal center.
Reflect on the most important findings unearthed here, such as gold jewelry, ceramics, and weaponry, and their current display at the National Historical Museum in Tirana. As you descend, have an open discussion about Illyrian heritage, the importance of cultural preservation, and the connections between ancient and modern Albanian identity.
To learn more about this tour, explore related heritage projects, or view additional photos from the field, please visit our official website:
https://lihnidtours.com
