Elbasan is an ancient city, known with the name Skampa. This name, Skampa, is testifies by the written documents and engravings on stone found in the ruins of the fortress. It assumes its development as a city during the construction and operation of Via Egnatia, that served as an artery to link to the Apennine Peninsula with the Balkan Peninsula and the East.
The monument that attracts the attention of the visitors is the fortress of the city. It has been reconstructed two times by the Byzantines and the Ottoman Turks. Besides the dwelling houses, the Historical and Archaeological Museum is within the fortress. The tourists may visit the Ethnographic Museum and Kristoforidhi house.
Approximately 12 km. southeast of the city, there are the springs of hot thermal waters. A health Center curing rheumatic diseases has been set up there.