Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme Archaeological Site

Address: Selcë e Poshtme (Selca e Poshtme), near Pogradec / Korçë, Albania

The Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme are an archaeological funerary complex in Korçë County, Albania, comprising rock-cut and tumulus burials of the Hellenistic period. The ensemble is notable for its association with local ruling elites and contains multiple vaulted chambers and tomb constructions.

The visible remains include masonry tombs and burial mounds that display Hellenistic-era architectural influences, and they form one of the better-preserved Illyrian royal burial sites in the region. The site is primarily of archaeological interest and is visited for its ancient funerary architecture and inscriptions.

The tombs were constructed during the Hellenistic period, broadly in the centuries following the classical Greek era, and reflect funerary practices of the local Illyrian population interacting with Greek cultural forms. Excavations and studies have documented the burial architecture and artefacts uncovered on-site.

Selca e Poshtme sits inland in Korçë County on hilly terrain; the tombs are found near the village of the same name and are accessible from local roads in the southern part of Albania.

• Date and cultural context: Dating to the Hellenistic period, the tombs are associated with Illyrian ruling elites and contain architectural features typical of 4th-2nd centuries BCE.
• Visitor note: The site is archaeological in character with exposed stonework and chambers; visitors should expect open-air ruins rather than a reconstructed museum complex.

What to See#

• Royal tomb ensemble: A group of rock-cut and tumulus tombs forming the main funerary ensemble, some featuring vaulted chambers and masonry resembling Hellenistic influences.
• Tumuli and outlying graves: Scattered burial mounds and associated archaeological remains located on the slopes above the settlement area, visible across the site.

• The Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme sit in a relatively remote area with limited facilities-go in the morning to avoid heat, and expect uneven dirt tracks from the nearest road; a vehicle with good clearance helps.
• Hire a local guide or contact the regional museum in Korçë before you go-guided visits provide archaeological context and access routes that many independent visitors miss, and signage on site is sparse.