Irmaj Castle – A unique Illyrian Castle
Here’s insight into Irmaj Castle, also identified with the ancient Illyrian town of Kodrion (Codrio), located in the Gramsh region of central Albania:
Irmaj Castle (Kalaja e Irmajt) sits atop a hill overlooking Gramsh, believed to be the fortified remains of the ancient Illyrian town Kodrion, mentioned in Roman sources from around the Illyrian and Macedonian Wars. The settlement dates back to approximately the 4th century BC.
Positioned strategically, the site offered control over trade routes linking Macedonia, the Devoll Valley, and the Adriatic coast. After its capture, the Romans reportedly left a garrison to secure the area.
Irmaj Castle serves as a tangible connection to pre-Roman Illyria, illustrating strategic defense architecture and early settlement patterns in central Albania.
The ruins lie near Tunje or Lubinja Village, roughly 18–20 km from Gramsh, at an elevation of nearly 980 m. From here, there are expansive views across the Devoll and Tomorr landscapes toward Berat, Lushnjë, and the Adriatic Sea. Today, only foundational walls and scattered ancient stones remain within a landscape of oak and pine forests.
Visitors walk through natural terrain, as the site has not been reconstructed and remains largely untouched by modern preservation.
Access: A hiking trail or rough 4×4 road leads from Gramsh via Lubinja Village. Close to the ruins, one can drive partway depending on road conditions. There is an active trail from Lubinje created by Elidon Dyli which can be followed and the all trail is marked.
Irmaj Castle serves as a tangible connection to pre-Roman Illyria, illustrating strategic defense architecture and early settlement patterns in central Albania.
Because it is not widely developed for tourism, the site offers an unmediated experience of ancient ruins set within Albanian highland nature.
Local Guide
Knowledgeable guides in Gramsh Elidon Dyli can enrich the visit with historical context and logistics assistance by hiking from Lubinje village.
Access
A hiking trail or rough 4×4 road leads from Gramsh via Lubinja Village. Close to the ruins, one can drive partway depending on road conditions. There is an active trail from Lubinje created by Elidon Dyli which can be followed and the all trail is marked.
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