Points of Interest
III – Cfir Castle
The oaks of Kalenjë, the hilltop fortress of Cfir and the early Christian basilica of Ballsh, along Itinerary III.
Three points of interest along Itinerary III, from the town of Ballsh up to the hilltop fortress of Cfir: an ancient grove of oaks, a fortified hilltop settlement and one of the most important early Christian sites in Mallakastër.
The Oaks of Kalenjë
- Type
- Natural monument (category III)
- Location
- About 7 km from Ballsh, near the main Ballsh–Aranitas road, in the grounds of the nine-year school of Panahor village
- Coordinates
- 40.604730, 19.774503
The Oaks of Kalenjë are a group of 21 oak trees, approximately 150 years old, located in Panahor village along the Ballsh–Aranitas road. Standing at approximately 200 m above sea level, they have an average trunk diameter of around 93 cm and a height of 13–16 m.
These oaks are of particular interest for nature-based and local tourism, as well as for their cultural value. The surrounding area offers opportunities for excursions and artistic, historical and sporting activities. The nearby nine-year school in Panahor also provides opportunities for educational activities that introduce pupils to nature and the importance of its conservation.
Good road infrastructure leading close to these natural monuments makes the destination easily accessible to visitors.
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Cfir Castle
- Type
- Cultural monument (category I), protected area
- Location
- On the summit of Cfir Hill (Mali i Cfirit), in the village of Cfir, about 17 km from Ballsh
- Coordinates
- 40.635088, 19.810151
Built on a hilltop in Cfir village, Cfir Castle covers approximately 0.5 ha on a flat, elliptical site. In addition to its defensive function, it served as a small civic centre for the surrounding population. Fragments of defensive walls and traces of dwellings survive within the site, bearing witness to the history of this fortified settlement.
Access from Ballsh follows the Ballsh–Aranitas–Metoh road. After approximately 13 km, a turn-off leads towards Cfir village along a gravel section of around 4 km. The asphalt section of the route is accessible by minibuses and smaller vehicles. From the village centre to the castle, the road is unpaved and can be travelled on foot or in vehicles suitable for rough terrain.
The landscapes along this route make the journey appealing to nature lovers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and off-road explorers. Although still relatively little known, Cfir Castle has considerable potential for cultural and historical tourism, offering visitors and researchers opportunities to explore Mallakastra's heritage.
The village also offers impressive views from places known as "Sheshi i Tares", "Udha e Madhe", "Qafa e Shkabës" and "Lëm Plaku", the gathering place of the village elders. Natural springs and public water fountains in almost every neighbourhood, young woodlands of oak, hornbeam and other shrubs, and proximity to neighbouring villages further enrich the visitor experience.
These features provide opportunities for woodland walks, cycling and exploration of the village and its surroundings. Private initiatives, including "Guest House Velaj", are expanding the local tourism offer, making Cfir a promising destination for nature-based, cultural and local tourism.
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Early Christian Basilica and Church of Saint Mary
- Type
- Cultural monument (category I), protected area
- Location
- Ballsh, Mallakastër
- Coordinates
- 40.601027, 19.737340
The ruins of the Paleochristian Church of Saint Mary (Basilica) are located at the entrance to the town of Ballsh, about 6 km north of the ancient city of Bylis. It was built during the Middle Ages, after the abandonment of the city of Bylis, with materials taken from its churches, at a time when this episcopal center was destroyed. The Church of Ballsh is quite well known because it was there that the act of conversion and baptism of the Bulgarian Tsar Boris (866) and his people took place.
Built during the reign of Justinian, in the 6th century AD, in the eastern part of the present-day town of Ballsh, this Cultural Monument has undergone changes several times for various reasons and factors. In terms of importance, this cultural monument appears to be the third on the list of the most visited monuments in our area (after the Illyrian City of Bylis and Nikaia). It contains very important elements that shed light on several periods in the history and culture of Mallakastra, and it is of very high interest for several fields and sectors of study. Also, in the ruins of this Basilica, columns, inscriptions, decorative sculptures, etc., have been found, and there are also numerous historical objects on the surface of the site.
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