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{{Short description|City in southeastern Albania}}
{{Infobox Albanian settlement
| name                   = Pogradec
| type                   = m
| flag                   = Flag of Pogradec.jpg
| emblem                 = Stema e Bashkisë Pogradec.svg
| image_skyline          = {{multiple image
 | border                       = infobox
 | total_width                  = 300
 | image_style                  = border:1;
 | perrow                       = 1/2/2
 | image1                       = Pogradec from Kalaja.jpg
 | image2                       = Pogradec, Albania – Promenade 2018 19.jpg
 | image3                       = Pogradec, Albania 2018 09 – Burime (Old Town).jpg
 | image4                       = Church in Pogradec.jpg
 | image5                       = Pogradec, Albania 2018 05.jpg}}
| image_caption                 = '''Top to bottom, left to right''': View of Pogradec from [[Pogradec Castle]], Statue Playing Flute, Old town of Pogradec with St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church, Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, Villa Sigal in Reshit Çollaku Street.
| map                    = 
| location               =
| county                 = Korçë
| parts                  =
| settled                =
| incorporated           =
| dissolved              =
| party                  = [[Socialist Party of Albania|PS]]
| mayor                  = Ilir Xhakolli<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Bashkia Pogradec |title=Drejtuesit e Bashkise–Kryetari Bashkise |url=https://bashkiapogradec.gov.al/drejtuesit/kryetari-bashkise/ilir-xhakolli-1/ |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010190655/https://bashkiapogradec.gov.al/drejtuesit/kryetari-bashkise/ilir-xhakolli-1/ |archive-date=10 October 2020 |language=sq}}</ref>
| council chairman       =
| administrator          = 
| coordinates            = {{coord|40|54|N|20|39|E|type:adm1st_region:AL_dim:100000|display=it}} 
| elevation              = 735
| area munic             = 584.77
| area rank              =
| population as of       = 2023<ref name="2023pop">{{cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing|url=https://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/censuses/census-of-population-and-housing/|publisher=Institute of Statistics Albania}}</ref>
|area_unit=3.47| population munic       = 46070
| population unit        = 17371
| population rank        = 
| demonym                = {{langx|sq|Pogradecar (m), Pogradecare (f)}}
| postal code            = 7301–7303
| area code              = (0)83
| website                = {{URL|https://bashkiapogradec.gov.al/}}
}}
'''Pogradec''' ({{IPA|sq|pɔɡɾaˈdɛt͡s}},) is the [[List of cities and towns in Albania|eleventh most populous city]] in [[Albania]] and the capital of the eponymous municipality. It is located on a [[List of settlements on the Lake Ohrid coastline|narrow plain]] between two mountain chains along the southwestern banks of the [[Lake of Ohrid]]. Its climate is profoundly influenced by a seasonal [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]] and [[continental climate]]. The total municipal population is 46,070, of which 17,371 is in the municipal unit as of the 2023 census.<ref name="2023pop" />{{historical populations|1950|4275|1960|7764|1969|9800|1979|13000|1989|19272|2001|23762|2011|20848|2023|17371|align=right|cols=1|source=<ref>{{cite web |title=Cities of Albania|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/albania-cities.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Albania: All places/communes|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/albania-census1989.htm}}</ref><ref name="2023pop" />}}

Pogradec and its surroundings were listed by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]] as part of the [[Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region (Albania)|natural and cultural heritage]] of the [[Albanian Ohrid Lake Coast|region of Ohrid]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] (UNESCO) |title=Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/99 |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010195523/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/99 |archive-date=10 October 2020}}</ref> Nevertheless, the [[Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme|Illyrian Royal Tombs]] in the adjacent unit of [[Proptisht]] are on the [[List of World Heritage Sites in Albania#Tentative list|Albanian tentative list]] for becoming a [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] (UNESCO) |title=Les tombes de la Basse Selca |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/909/ |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010201908/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/909/ |archive-date=10 October 2020 |language=fr}}</ref>

== Etymology ==

The name of the town is [[Eastern South Slavic]] in origin.<ref>Slavistische Forschungen, Volume 24, Böhlau, 1978, p. 259, ISBN 3412012785.</ref> Pogradec comes from ''Po(d)'' (under/beneath) and ''[[Grad (toponymy)|Gradec]]'' (town, city, castle or fortified settlement) and means literally "under the city". This is a reference to the [[Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region (Albania)|ancient Illyrian settlement]], which was situated on a hill above the contemporary region of Pogradec. In the medieval period during the Ottoman occupation, the town was known as İstarova or İstarye during [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] rule and was bounded to as [[kaza]] center in [[Korçe|Görice]] Sanjak of [[Bitola|Manastır]] Vilayet before [[Balkan Wars]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.postman.com.tr/makaleler/tatar.pdf |title=Osmanli Tatarân Teşkilât'i (in Turkish) |access-date=2011-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324112737/http://www.postman.com.tr/makaleler/tatar.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://tarihvemedeniyet.org/ekutuphane107 Osman Vilayets (in Turkish)]</ref>

== History ==

[[File:PogradecStrand.JPG|thumb|left|Beach of Pogradec]]

From the 8th until the 14th century, Pogradec area was captured by various medieval states such as the [[First Bulgarian Empire|Bulgarian]], [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] and [[Serbian Empire|Serbian]] Empires as well as by noble Albanian families such as [[Gropa family|Gropa]]. It was most likely during the Bulgarian empires rule in Pogradec is when it gained its modern name. In the middle of 15th century the area became part of the [[League of Lezhë]] and after [[Skanderbeg|Skanderbeg's]] death in 1468, it was invaded by the [[Ottoman Turks|Ottomans]] who kept it until [[Independence Day (Albania)|Albania's Independence in 1912]]. During their occupation Pogradec was the center of the [[kaza]] of Starova and was developed as a small town of craftsmen and fishermen. When the Turkish traveler [[Evliya Çelebi|Evliya Celebi]] visited the area in 1662 he wrote that "''Pogradec was a sweet city with red roofs, four neighborhoods, four mosques, two elementary schools, six hundred houses and one hundred and fifty shops''".

During the second half of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, Pogradec area played an important role in the [[Albanian National Awakening|Albanian National Renaissance]]. In 14 March 1887 the second Albanian language school was started here.
[[File:Pogradec, Lake Ohrid - Albania.jpg|thumb|left|Pogradec along Lake Ohrid]]

During [[World War I|WWI]] Pogradec became a battlefield divided between the enemy fronts. From 1914 until 1920 [[Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarian]], [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbian]], Greek, Bulgarian and French armies, captured the city replacing each-other from time to time.

During [[World War II|WWII]] the city was first invaded by the Italian army in 12 April 1939. Italian occupation of Pogradec was interrupted due to [[Greco-Italian War]] and Greek troops [[Battle of Pogradec|occupied]] the city between 30 November 1940 and 14 April 1941. After Italy's [[capitulation (surrender)|capitulation]] in 1943 it was liberated by the [[National Liberation Movement (Albania)|Albanian partisans]].

After the war the town was a favorite summer escape for many communist government officials and particularly [[Enver Hoxha]]. The summer residences and the area around them were sealed off from the public.

== Geography ==
{{Further|Albanian Ohrid Lake Coast}}

Pogradec is located at {{coord|40|54||N|20|39||E}}, on the shore of the southwestern corner of the [[Lake of Ohrid]] between two mountain chains located in the north and east.<ref name="geography">{{cite web |last=Pillati |first=Arjola |publisher=[[Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës|Aleksandër Moisiu University]] |title=E ardhmja e turizmit në qytetin e Pogradecit |url=https://www.uamd.edu.al/new/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/E-ardhmja-e-turizmit-n%c3%ab-qytetin-e-Pogradeciti.pdf |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010181904/https://www.uamd.edu.al/new/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/E-ardhmja-e-turizmit-n%c3%ab-qytetin-e-Pogradeciti.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2020 |language=sq |date=15 January 2013}}</ref> The mountain chain of [[Mali i Thatë]] in the [[Prespa National Park (Albania)|Prespa National Park]] rises in the east of the city and divides the region from the [[Prespa Lake|Lake of Prespa]].<ref name="geography"/> Defined in an area of {{convert|584.77|km2|0|abbr=on}}, the [[Municipalities of Albania|municipality of Pogradec]] is encompassed in the [[county of Korçë]] within the [[Southern Albania|Southern Region of Albania]] and consists of the adjacent administrative units of [[Buçimas]], [[Çërravë]], [[Dardhas]], [[Proptisht]], [[Trebinjë]], [[Udenisht]], [[Velçan]] and Pogradec as its seat.<ref name="municipality area">{{cite web |publisher=Albanian Association of Municipalities (AAM) |title=Bashkia Pogradec |url=https://aam.org.al/en/bashkia-pogradec/ |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010185107/https://aam.org.al/en/bashkia-pogradec/ |archive-date=10 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Instituti i Statistikës]] (INSTAT) |title=A new Urban–Rural Classification of Albanian Population |url=https://www.instat.gov.al/media/2919/a_new_urban-rural_classification_of_albanian_population.pdf |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114101641/https://www.instat.gov.al/media/2919/a_new_urban-rural_classification_of_albanian_population.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2019 |page=15 |date=May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vendime.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/137-2014.pdf |title=Law nr. 115/2014 |language=sq |pages=6372–6373|access-date=25 February 2022 }}</ref>

=== Climate ===

The climate of the Lake Ohrid is classified as a local-continental type because of a microclimate that is created in that area influenced by [[Mediterranean climate]]. The average annual rainfall in the Lake basin amount to approximately 730&nbsp;mm.
{{Weather box
|location =Pogradec
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan high C = 3
|Feb high C = 8
|Mar high C = 13
|Apr high C = 17
|May high C = 22
|Jun high C = 27
|Jul high C = 30
|Aug high C = 30
|Sep high C = 25
|Oct high C = 19
|Nov high C = 12
|Dec high C = 5
|Jan low C = -5
|Feb low C = -3
|Mar low C = 1
|Apr low C = 5
|May low C = 9
|Jun low C = 12
|Jul low C = 14
|Aug low C = 14
|Sep low C = 10
|Oct low C = 7
|Nov low C = 2
|Dec low C = -2
|precipitation colour=green
|Jan precipitation mm = 40.5
|Feb precipitation mm = 38
|Mar precipitation mm = 34.9
|Apr precipitation mm = 53.1
|May precipitation mm = 48.4
|Jun precipitation mm = 29.2
|Jul precipitation mm = 30.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 29.2
|Sep precipitation mm = 38.7
|Oct precipitation mm = 53.4
|Nov precipitation mm = 65.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 73.5
|Jan precipitation days = 8
|Feb precipitation days = 8
|Mar precipitation days = 8
|Apr precipitation days = 12
|May precipitation days = 10
|Jun precipitation days = 7
|Jul precipitation days = 6
|Aug precipitation days = 4
|Sep precipitation days = 7
|Oct precipitation days = 9
|Nov precipitation days = 11
|Dec precipitation days = 13
|unit precipitation days = 1 mm
|source 1 = World Weather Online<ref>[http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Pogradec-weather-averages/Korce/AL.aspx World Weather Online]</ref>
|date=
}}

== Economy ==

Pogradec is located about 139&nbsp;km from [[Tirana]], the capital city of [[Albania]], 40&nbsp;km from [[Korça]], and 5&nbsp;km from [[North Macedonia]].
Pogradec is the last railway station: [[Tirana]] - [[Durrës]] - [[Elbasan]] - [[Librazhd]] - Pogradec and located along SH3 road that passes through [[Devoll, Korçë|Devoll]] and continues to Greece.
However, the train service now finishes at Elbasan, and parts of the line from there on are derelict.  There are some proposals to revive the line and extend it to connect to the Greek railway network.
Translake transport started on 15 June 2014 with a tourist ferry between Pogradec and [[Ohrid]], but the service is sporadic and unreliable.

== Culture ==

[[File:Pogradec_Promenade.jpg|thumb|left|Writer Statue in Pogradec]][[File:Pogradec, Albania street.jpg|thumb|The main street of Pogradec]]

Pogradec is well known for its famous writers and poets such as [[Lasgush Poradeci]] and [[Mitrush Kuteli]], and lately [[Luan Starova]]. Their works are a crucial part of Albanian literature.

The main characters of Luan Starova's cycle of novels, "The Balkan Saga", are the author's own parents and their family, who fled Pogradec for Macedonia during World War II. Separated from their old hometown and their relatives by the Albania-Yugoslavia border during the [[Enver Hoxha]]'s era, they would often look at Pogradec through a binocular from the vantage point of [[Monastery of Saint Naum]] on the other side of the lake.<ref>The theme repeats e.g. throughout ''The Museum of Atheism''</ref>

Pogradec is also the home of nationally and internationally acclaimed artist painters like Anastas Kostandini(Taso), Gjergji Lako, Gentian Zeka, Vangjo Vasili, Odhisea Dhima, Ilir Dhima, etc. All kinds of sports are practiced in town, especially by the youth.

Pogradec has a professional football team called [[KS Pogradeci]]. There are several varsity soccer teams mainly composed of high school students. Even [[volleyball]] and [[basketball]] are played competitively. During the summer, beach volleyball draws the attention of all the residents. Many professional volleyball teams from [[Albania]] and other Balkan countries participate in a championship which lasts about two weeks. Pogradeci team has been awarded the first prize several times. Other sports to mention are [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] and [[boxing]]. The boxing team, "Dragoi", is one of the top teams in the nation and has always trained champions.

Pogradec also has a rich folklore. Many songs and dances have been created throughout the centuries. Their themes are based on the beauty of the lake and a love for nature.

Some of the main recurring cultural events in the city are:

"Puppet Theater Festival" - Takes place every June. Participants vary from national to European level.

"Lake Day" - Takes place in 21 June. All the towns surrounding lake Ohrid (Pogradec, Ohrid and Struga) gather in a festival where local delicacies, including food and culture are showcased.
[[File:Mosque Pogradec Albania 2018 1.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Pogradec ]]
"Balkan Film Food Festival" - Takes place in September. Balkan movies, documentaries and culinary are showcased throughout the days of the festival.

"Wine Fest" - Takes place in December. Pogradec families compete together for the best homemade wine in the city. The days of the festival are accompanied by great food and live music.

[[File:Drilon, Pogradec (6).jpg|thumb|Drilon Park in Pogradec]] [[File:Lin_and_lake.jpg|thumb|Lin village north of Pogradec]]
[[File:Church in Pogradec.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Orthodox Church]] 
Pogradec area is very rich in cultural and natural monuments among which can be mentioned
*[[Pogradec Castle]]
*19th and 20th century historical center of the city of Pogradec
*Illyrian Royal Tombs of Lower Selca [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tombs_of_Selca_e_Poshtme]]
*Castle of Blace village
*Castle of [[Zemçë]] village
*Fortifications in the village of [[Slabinjë]]
*Prehistoric settlement of Zagradie in the village of [[Lin, Korçë|Lin]]
*Bridge near the villages [[Jollë]] and [[Llëngë]]
*Bridge near the village of [[Golik]]
*Bridge near the village of [[Niçë]]
*Bridge near the village of [[Çezmë]]
*Bridge in the village of [[Zgallë]]
*Bridge in the village of [[Servatinë]]
*Terziu Bridge in the village of [[Proptisht]]
*Fortification in the village of Shpellë in [[Mokra, Albania|Mokra]]
*[[St. Marina's Monastery]] in the village of [[Llëngë]]
*Paleo-Christian church and mosaics in the village of [[Lin, Korçë|Lin]]
*Byzantine church in the village of [[Lin, Korçë|Lin]]
*Mosaic in the village of [[Tushemisht]]
*[[Drilon]] water sources and swans park near Tushemisht
*[[Guri i Kamjes]] in [[Mokra, Albania|Mokra]]
*The karstic cave and small lake inside it above the village of [[Udënisht|Hudenisht]]

==Media==
{{expand section|date=January 2023}}

===Newspapers===
*''[[Nositi]], founded 1998

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Albania}}
Pogradec is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:
*{{flagicon|MKD}} [[Ohrid Municipality|Ohrid]], North Macedonia<ref>{{Cite web|title=ПРИЈАТЕЛСКИ И ЗБРАТИМЕНИ ГРАДОВИ - Ohrid.gov.mk|url=https://ohrid.gov.mk/пријателски-и-збратимени-градови/|access-date=2021-09-04|language=mk}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Wismar]], Germany<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wismar|first=Stadt|title=Städtepartnerschaften|url=https://www.wismar.de/Tourismus-Welterbe/Wismar-wissenswert/Städtepartnerschaften/?La=1&NavID=2634.318|access-date=2021-09-04|website=Hansestadt Wismar}}</ref>

{{-}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
{{Sister project links|voy=Pogradec|collapsible=collapsed}}
*[https://bashkiapogradec.gov.al/ bashkiapogradec.gov.al] – Official Website {{in lang|sq}}

{{Pogradec}}
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{{Municipalities of Albania}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pogradec}}
[[Category:Pogradec| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Albania]]
[[Category:Administrative units of Pogradec]]
[[Category:Municipalities in Korçë County]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Albania]]
[[Category:Illyrian Albania]]
[[Category:Albanian Ohrid Lake Coast]]