Kuçovë is located on the Myzeqe Plain along the Devoll River and between Lushnja, Berat and Fier. The city’s modern history is closely linked to oil production: in 1928, Albania’s first oil well was drilled at a site now called Dikatër. Accounts of the Illyrian period associate Kuçovë with the Desaret tribe. The city is connected to major road routes that support movement and exchange between the regions. At the same time, Kuçovë is showing growing interest in youth initiatives, urban art and alternative tourism.
Anyone looking to rent a holiday apartment in Kuçovë is seeking accommodation for their stay in the area.
Culture and history
In Perondi, the Shën Nikollë Church preserves Byzantine construction phases from the Middle and Late Byzantine periods, dating to the 11th century and the 13th to 14th centuries. The Shën Kolli Church is also located in Perondi. It is a designated cultural monument and a site of Byzantine architectural heritage within the Bashkia Kuçovë. Its origins date back to the second half of the 11th century; it also preserves fragments of wall frescoes and attracts scholars, pilgrims and visitors interested in cultural heritage.
The Church of the Annunciation in Kozara has been registered as an Albanian cultural monument since 1963. It dates from the late 17th to the early 18th century and represents the area’s Orthodox Christian heritage. The church is known for its interior wall frescoes, painted by Joan and Naum Çetiri around 1806. Following a major fire on 14 August 2014, it was partially damaged; parts of its walls are still standing.
Landscape and bodies of water
Sinec Canyon is a protected natural monument designated in 2002. Its landscape includes karst limestone formations and steep slopes; the canyon is approximately 300 metres deep. The area also includes the Sinec Spring and the Saraseli Stream. Its rich biodiversity has scientific and ecological value.
Xhixhiles Cave is a prehistoric settlement that was inhabited from the Early Neolithic period through the Bronze Age to the 3rd century BC. It is located in a limestone formation in a wooded setting near the gorge of the Sirec Stream. Liqeni i Gorajit is considered a place for fishing and walks in nature. The Belesova Reservoir is used locally by the surrounding communities for fishing and recreation.
Culinary traditions and local customs
Rrosnica is a traditional dish prepared in rural areas around Kuçovë. It combines village chicken or poultry meat with small pieces of dough made from flour and egg.
The Festa e Ullirit in Perondi is considered an annual traditional event celebrating olive culture. It includes markets offering local products, folk music and dancing, as well as tastings of fresh olive oil.
Hani i Qerosit offers accommodation in comfortable rooms within an agrotourism complex in Kuçovë. Its organic production is connected with cooperation among local farmers. Hani i Qerosit also offers traditional cuisine made with fresh local products.
Location and surroundings
Near Kuçovë, Ura e Vajgurores is described as a cultural monument and tourist access point connecting Kuçovë with Berat.
More on the regional classification: Skrapar District.
