Your hotel is right in the middle of Korce the cultural capital of Albania in its gorgeous old neighborhood full of historic buildings and mellow intellectual vibes that draw visitors year ’round. You’ll be steps away from the Pazari i Vjeter aka the old bazaar area rejuvenated but full of charm and character. The streets are a warren of higgledy piggledy little stone houses housing their own art galleries and independent boutiques and interesting little taverns.
Safety in this central district is so improbable that tourists can stroll the cobble stone streets late into the evening worrying not at all. The locals become almost having seen tourists are so sophisticated and welcoming and greet you with genuine smiles. There is a wonderfully slow vibe to the place I could sit at an outside cafe for hours, sipping espresso and watching the city go by.
Beyond the bazaar lies a neighborhood that is home to all the great sights the country has to offer and are well within walking distance. You’ll want to head to the National Museum of Medieval Art for the incredible collection of orthodox icons, the Resurrection Cathedral is not to be missed as well. The fact that all of this is in such close walking distance makes this hotel a truly unbeatable place to stay if you are a history lover and want as much time as you can get among the country’s many wonders.
In the evening the cafes take on the atmosphere of jovial bars with live music. Korce, famous for its serenades, often carries the sound of acoustic guitar music drifting through the streets at night. Following a day of seeing the sights this heady but high-culture fin de siécle nightlife gives a happy and sweetened ending to a great day.