Did you know that the old Kukës was sunk in order to build a new one!

Kukës, located in northeastern Albania, is a city with a rich history that goes back more than a thousand years. This city, surrounded by mountains and rivers, was home to many ancient Illyrian tribes, the most prominent of which were the Dardanians.

Mountain Gjallica, Photo: Aurora Doci, CC BY-SA 4.0

The area of ​​today’s Kukës was inhabited since ancient times. Illyrian tombs found near the city, in Këneta and Kolsh, bear witness to a long settlement history.

During the Roman period, Kukës was a small settlement and a stop on the way to the Via Egnatia, an important trade route that connected Durrës on the Adriatic Sea with Constantinople.

During the Middle Ages, Kukës was part of the Byzantine Empire and later became part of the Ottoman Empire. At that time, the city was a small trading center on the way to southern Kosovo.

Old Kukës was located at the confluence of the White Drin and Black Drin rivers and was submerged in 1976 due to the construction of a dam and the creation of a reservoir lake.

Before that, a completely new Kukës was built on the nearby plateau, at an altitude of 320 meters, now surrounded by the artificial lake Fierza. Now the city is located about eight kilometers from the 2489-meter-high Gjallica mountain massif.

Mountain Gjallica, Photo: Pikellima, CC BY-SA 4.0

Here are five ideas of what to see if you are near Kukës.

• Lake Fierza – is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Kukës. This large artificial lake, created by the construction of the Fierza hydroelectric plant, offers beautiful views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking along its shores.

Fierza lake, Photo: ollirg06, Depositphotos

• Valbona Valley National Park – located not far from Kukës and is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Albania. The park is ideal for hiking, exploring the alpine landscape, and experiencing the untouched nature of the Albanian Alps.
• Kukës Mosque – is the central religious place in the city, which reflects the Islamic heritage of the region. A visit to the mosque offers an opportunity to appreciate its architecture and understand its cultural and religious significance for the local community.

Kukes, view of the city Mosque, Photo: Leonora Bajraktari, CC BY-SA 4.0

• Kalaja e Kukësit, or Kukës Fort, is an ancient fortress overlooking the city. Although mostly in ruins, the fortress provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past and offers stunning views of Kukës and the surrounding countryside.
• Kukës Old Bazaar – is a traditional market where visitors can explore local crafts, food, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience local culture and pick up unique items that reflect the region’s heritage.

Today, Kukës strives to use its unique history and natural beauty to attract tourists. With a new international airport, mountain trails, and a rich cultural heritage, Kukës is positioning itself as an attractive destination for visitors who want to explore the lesser-known corners of Europe.