Archeology and religion in one tour- Finiq and Mesopotam from Saranda -Small group
Duration
5 hour(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Finiq was the capital of the League of Epirus during the Hellenistic period
The peace treaty ending the First Macedonian War was signed in Finiq
Archaeological remains include an ancient temple and Hellenistic-era theater
Visitors can also see Roman baths and houses from the Hellenistic period
€ 79
€ 72.68
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In ancient times, the territory where Finiq is located belonged to the powerful kingdom of Epirus, a significant player in the politics and warfare of the Western Balkans. This region held considerable strategic and cultural importance, being situated at the crossroads of major trade and military routes. Over time, particularly during the Byzantine era, the city saw considerable expansion and development. The landscape of Finiq still reflects this layered history, with traces of its ancient foundations blending seamlessly with the remnants from later periods.
Historical sources mention Finiq as playing a prominent role during the Hellenistic period. In fact, it rose to political prominence as the capital of the League of Epirus, a confederation of tribes and cities united under a shared cultural and military identity. Finiq’s influence was such that the peace treaty marking the end of the First Macedonian War between Rome and Macedonia was signed there, underscoring the city’s importance in regional diplomacy. These events place Finiq among the historically significant centers of classical antiquity in the region.
Today, a visit to Finiq offers a compelling journey into the past, with a variety of archaeological remains still visible on site. Among these are the ruins of an ancient temple, believed to have played a central role in religious and civic life. Visitors can also explore the partially preserved theater, residential structures from the Hellenistic period, Roman baths indicative of urban sophistication, and a Byzantine church that stands as a testament to the city’s continued relevance through the medieval period. These remains provide a vivid picture of a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, yet still quietly tells its story through the stones left behind.
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Please be at the meeting point 15 min before of the departure of the tour
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Carry water and a light snack to keep refreshed and energized
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Activity Provider: My Tour in Italy
Customer Reviews
ccbm
We visited on a hot day and were the only car. Entry fee (300 pP) is high for Albanian level but area seems to be developing. That’s a good thing! History is worth to be studied and seen, Albania can be proud of its Byzantine history! Be careful on the winding small road uphill! Views are great.
Steven
300LEK pp, not really worth it. Very small, mostly a pile of scattered rock, concrete, overgrown. Could use a lot more excavation to reveal details and scale. The theater is impressive, sitting in a big natural bowl of hill, great view of valley. Indeed the view is best part of the visit. Also, they have assorted benches around to relax and enjoy the view (more would be nice). Drive up is a bit sketchy, narrow, windy, debris, rockfalls, dogs, sheep. In bad weather could be scary. The paths on the site are wild, just grass, weeds and small shrubs. Some signage, not much, mostly weather beaten. Nice guy at entrance building (no WC, just portables), that's it. Small parking lot, will get crowded in summer. Offseason, nobody there. Literally nobody.
Yuliia
Historical place with a beautiful panoramic view. Ancient ruins.. It is better to visit such places not during the hot season.
Oksana
Finiq Archaeological Park in southern Albania is a fascinating site with a rich historical legacy dating back to antiquity. Once known as Phoenice, it was an important center in the ancient world, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city was the capital of the ancient Greek tribe of the Chaonians and later became a significant Roman settlement. Some of the most intriguing features of the park include: - **Well-preserved ancient theater**: This Hellenistic theater, built into a hillside, could accommodate around 4,000 spectators and provides insight into the cultural importance of the city in ancient times. - **City walls and fortifications**: Massive stone walls encircle the ancient city, offering evidence of its strategic importance and defensive capabilities. - **Byzantine basilicas and Roman ruins**: Scattered across the site are remnants of early Christian churches and Roman-era structures, reflecting the city's long and varied history. - **Panoramic views**: Situated on a hill, the site offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, adding to the park’s allure. Finiq's archaeological richness provides a unique window into ancient civilizations and their interactions in the region.
Lauren
It was cool, and a nice place to see sun set and a quick get away from the city. The valley was incredibly quiet. There were a few info cards missing but in general well maintained and little to no people. An interesting look at historic Sarandë/the surrounding area.