Kolonjars are proud of their patriotism, freedom-loving, and strong educational traditions. They are a hard-working and cultured people. They have a long history of preserving their traditions and values, especially in the areas of education, while embracing the positive aspects from the changing world around them.

The Kolonja plateau was originally inhabited by the Illyrian tribes of Desareteve. Kolonja’s strategic location attracted many foreign invaders. However, the region’s population managed to resist these many invasions, beginning with revolts during the Roman and Ottoman Empires, right up to Albania’s Independence Day, in November 1912. Kolonja has played a special role in the country’s history, this area being especially important for the development of the Albanian alphabet.

This region also nourished many distinguished ideologists, creative publicists, talented and zealous teachers for Albanian education, as well as many brave combatants and patriots. These heroes include: Fan Noli, Jani Vreto, Shahin Kolonja, Petro Nini Luarasi, Papa Kristo Negovani, Gjerasim, Gjergj, Parashqevi and Sevasti Qiriazi, Themistokli Germenji and Spiro Bellkameni, Sali and Gani Butka, Mersin, Zalo Prodani and Naum Cere along with many others who were dedicated to Albanian nationalism.

Kolonja’s long history during the Neolithic period (6000-3000 BC) has been documented by archeological remains which have been discovered in the dwelling of Nina’s Stone in the village of Luaras and one artifact that was discovered in the village of Kamnik.

Habitation during the Copper Period (3000-2100 BC) was confirmed by the discovery of a copper grave and imported dish from the archeological site of Dimini in the town of Thesalise in Macedonia.

The Bronze Period (2100-1100 BC) was established by cultural material discovered in the dwelling of Nina’s Stone and Big Rock in the village of Luaras. Of particular interest are graves discovered in the Tumulare Tombs of Prodan, Rehova, Psarr, Shtike, and Borova.

Habitation during the Iron Period (0-1000 BC) was confirmed by the discovery of open forts in the villages of Prodan, Pradelle, and Borova as well as Illyrian circle forts in Hollmin of Qinam, Gradec (Bejkove), Cuka of Borova, and the fort of Gradecit (Vrepcke), Bejkova, Boshanj, and Qesarak. To date, none of these archeological sites have been developed for visitors. However, the Erseka Historical Museum has archeological artifacts from these sites and has portrayed them in a historical context.

Kolonja, like most other regions in Albania, has its own music, dance, and traditional dress. The Kolonjars have embraced their traditions and continue to teach the new generations traditional song, dance, and handi-crafts. Kolonja is represented by one folk group that is most famous for its song titled “Neither Small Nor Big”. It is distinguished for virtuosity in the interpretation of Kolonjar song, dance, and melody.

Erseka embraces its musical and cultural traditions by hosting regular concerts for the community in both the town’s main theater and on the public stage in the town center. Inquire with your hotel manager, City Hall, or a local resident if something special is taking place during your stay.

All types of art created in Erseka are still completed in the traditional hand-crafted manner. Generations of Kolonjars have embraced these traditions, working to create new traditions in the areas of music and art that continue to uniquely define the region and its people.

In the center of the town is an obelisk dedicated to Odise Paskal, the Kolonjar Martyr of the Renaissance. Paskal, a sculptor, was recognized as a “Master Sculptor for Albania” and inaugurated on November 28, 1938.

This region also nourished many distinguished ideologists, creative publicists, talented and zealous teachers for Albanian education, as well as many brave combatants and patriots. These heroes include: Fan Noli, Jani Vreto, Shahin Kolonja, Petro Nini Luarasi, Papa Kristo Negovani, Gjerasim, Gjergj, Parashqevi and Sevasti Qiriazi, Themistokli Germenji and Spiro Bellkameni, Sali and Gani Butka, Mersin, Zalo Prodani and Naum Cere along with many others who were dedicated to Albanian nationalism.

Kolonja’s long history during the Neolithic period (6000-3000 BC) has been documented by archeological remains which have been discovered in the dwelling of Nina’s Stone in the village of Luaras and one artifact that was discovered in the village of Kamnik.

Habitation during the Copper Period (3000-2100 BC) was confirmed by the discovery of a copper grave and imported dish from the archeological site of Dimini in the town of Thesalise in Macedonia.

The Bronze Period (2100-1100 BC) was established by cultural material discovered in the dwelling of Nina’s Stone and Big Rock in the village of Luaras. Of particular interest are graves discovered in the Tumulare Tombs of Prodan, Rehova, Psarr, Shtike, and Borova.

Habitation during the Iron Period (0-1000 BC) was confirmed by the discovery of open forts in the villages of Prodan, Pradelle, and Borova as well as Illyrian circle forts in Hollmin of Qinam, Gradec (Bejkove), Cuka of Borova, and the fort of Gradecit (Vrepcke), Bejkova, Boshanj, and Qesarak. To date, none of these archeological sites have been developed for visitors. However, the Erseka Historical Museum has archeological artifacts from these sites and has portrayed them in a historical context.

Kolonja, like most other regions in Albania, has its own music, dance, and traditional dress. The Kolonjars have embraced their traditions and continue to teach the new generations traditional song, dance, and handi-crafts. Kolonja is represented by one folk group that is most famous for its song titled “Neither Small Nor Big”. It is distinguished for virtuosity in the interpretation of Kolonjar song, dance, and melody.

Erseka embraces its musical and cultural traditions by hosting regular concerts for the community in both the town’s main theater and on the public stage in the town center. Inquire with your hotel manager, City Hall, or a local resident if something special is taking place during your stay.

All types of art created in Erseka are still completed in the traditional hand-crafted manner. Generations of Kolonjars have embraced these traditions, working to create new traditions in the areas of music and art that continue to uniquely define the region and its people.

In the center of the town is an obelisk dedicated to Odise Paskal, the Kolonjar Martyr of the Renaissance. Paskal, a sculptor, was recognized as a “Master Sculptor for Albania” and inaugurated on November 28, 1938.