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Ancient walls of Persqop are situated on the Mountain of Vila, about 1500 m far from
Castle of Petrela, in the town of Tirana. The whole top of the mountain was included
within a perimeter wall with a length of about 1150 m, which left open only the north
side of about 250 m, protected by an abyss. Villa carries on the ruins of an ancient
city and an ancient fortification. The first phase of construction of city dates in the
Illyrian period (III-II century BC.), while on the Roman period the fortification was
extended further IV century AC.
Ancient walls of Persqop were mentioned for the first time by Austrian J. Georg von
Hahn, which has been explained as the foundation of an ancient temple.
Besides the walls of the old city, there are many other important buildings as houses
with many rooms, an aqueduct in the northeast side and a monumental tomb. Best
preserved monuments are two towers, one on the south side and one in the northern
part of the city.
South tower called “major stronghold” is 61 m long and 12m wide and 7.3 m high.
Stonewall technique is isodomic type with eleven regular rows of conglomerates
blocks with rectangular shapes placed one over the other, similar to the walls of
second period in Zgerdhesh and Bylis. Entrance to the ancient city is situated on the
southern stronghold.
Northeast “stronghold” is 20 m long and 3 m high. Using of counter fort and internal
walls connector is similar to the major southern stronghold.
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