Baldushk: Landscape, History and Turkey Tradition

The Zhullima stream runs through Baldushk. The landscape includes plains, small to medium-sized hills, slopes and valleys. Baldushk’s panoramic valley brings together flat, hilly and partly mountainous terrain. For trip planning, this means you can take into account both a specific watercourse and varied terrain.

Landscape and the Route to the Waterfall

The panoramic valley has tourism potential for water-based activities, mountain activities and agritourism. The route to the Kakunjë waterfall starts in Tirana, heading towards Baldushk, then continues along the road to the village of Kakunjë. Local residents have voluntarily put up signs pointing to the waterfall; these may change over time. Before setting out, check the current route and road and trail conditions.

Archaeological Finds from Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages

Remains of an ancient dwelling dating to the 1st century AD were discovered in the village of Koçaj, in the Baldushk area. Pottery fragments, parts of pithoi and cooking vessels from Koçaj attest to the existence of a rural settlement.

Two badly damaged ancient sculpture bases were also discovered in Koçaj. The Greek inscriptions dedicate the sculptures to the Dioscuri, who were considered protective deities of travellers and seafarers. Their design and lettering style provide the basis for dating the sculptures to the 2nd century AD. They are on display at the National Archaeological Museum; check access arrangements before visiting.

The Roman bas-relief sculptures from Baldushk are believed to have been made in a local workshop. In June 2010, five Roman funerary monuments, each more than a metre high, were also discovered in the village of Baldushk.

The Vrap Treasure complements the Roman finds with evidence from a later historical period. It was discovered in 1901 in the village of Vrap, in the Baldushk area, and is dated to the last decade of the 7th century. Its 41 objects include gold bowls, gold belt fittings, gold bars, silver bowls and a silver jug. It is considered one of the most important early medieval treasures in Southeast Europe.

The dates help distinguish the discovery from the historical dating: 1901 marks the discovery of the treasure, while its dating points to the last decade of the 7th century. By comparison, the dwelling dates to the 1st century AD, and the sculptures are dated to the 2nd century. The finds therefore span a period from Roman antiquity to the Early Middle Ages.

When planning your trip, you can compare the attractions by your interests: the panoramic valley and waterfall offer landscape-related experiences, while Koçaj and the Vrap Treasure provide different archaeological highlights.

Turkey Farming and the December Tradition

Turkey farming is known as a regional tradition in Baldushk. Before the year-end holidays, consumers take an interest in buying turkeys. “Dita e gjelave” is a traditional December activity centred on turkey farming. Turkeys compete in front of spectators from the surrounding area and Tirana. Check in advance whether an event is scheduled during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kus, Mullet, Tirana, Vaqarr, Kavajë, Pinet, Priske e Vogel, Petrelë

For the main travel overview: Tiranë.