Ersekë

Ersekë (definite Albanian form: Erseka) is a town and a former municipality in southeastern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision and the seat of the municipality Kolonjë. Founded in the 17th century, Erseka was the seat of the former Kolonjë District. The population at the 2011 census was 3,746. Situated at the foot of the Gramos mountains, it is a small alpine town at 1050 meters in altitude, making it one of the highest towns in Albania.

History

The Kolonja range was originally inhabited by the Dassaretae, a Greek tribe that belonged to the Chaonian group.

The history of the town began at the 17th century. At 1785 city was populated from 100 families. At 1914 it came under the control of the Northern Epirote forces, which repelled the newly established Albanian gendarmerie units from the region.

Culture, music and arts

The "Fan Stilian Noli" center hosts several artistic and cultural shows throughout the year. Its main theater of 400 seats hosts performances by various groups from Korçë, Tirana and local artists. The ethnographic museum also houses a collection of traditional costumes, textiles and other crafts, unique to the Erseka region.