The Heritage of the Albanian Riviera
The history, traditions and flavour of the area surrounding Tragjas Grand Hotel.
Between History and Nature
An area layered with centuries of history
Orikum and Vlora hold traces of Illyrian civilisation, the Roman empire, and the birth of the modern Albanian state. Just minutes from the hotel, guests can move from the beach to an archaeological site, or from our terrace to a twentieth-century museum.
History
The History of Tragjas
The name Tragjas carries centuries of weight. The ruins of Sofa Castle, near the old village, testify to an Illyrian presence dating back to the 4th century BC, when the area was part of the fortified centres guarding the Bay of Vlora, closely linked to Orikum.
In the centuries that followed, Tragjas rose repeatedly against Ottoman rule: the 1432 revolt led to the destruction of Sofa Castle, and by 1444 the village had joined Skanderbeg's resistance, when Gjon Boçari built a second castle on the site. Uprisings continued in 1537, 1581, 1833 and 1847, and in 1912 the people of Tragjas strongly supported the founders of Albanian independence.
The old village was destroyed during the Second World War — burned by Italian troops in August 1943 and again by German forces in August 1944 — and has remained abandoned ever since. Today, the ruins of Old Tragjas stand as a place of remembrance, while the village and hotel that carry its name continue the tradition of hospitality on that same history-filled ground.
Places and traditions of the area
Orikum Ruins
The ancient remains of the Illyrian city of Orikum, beside the bay that shares its name.
Independence Museum, Vlora
Where Albania's Independence was declared in 1912, in the heart of Vlora.
Local Traditions
Festivals, folk dances and customs passed down through generations in the Vlora region.
Authentic Cuisine
Coastal and mountain recipes that tell the story of the Albanian Riviera.
Plan Your Day