Antique ad quintum station, one of the Egnatia Road Treasures is restored
The National Institute of Cultural Heritage has completed the restoration of the ancient ad quintum station, a rare monument along the Egnatia Road, taking an important step in preserving cultural heritage.
This ancient station, known as one of the most important stops of Egnatia Road, is located in the village of Bradashesh, near Elbasan. In ancient times, it served as a mutatio (rest station) for travelers and traders moving along this important Roman artery. One of the most special elements of this station is the Hamam, a complex of public baths dating back to the 2nd century AD.
The station has a rectangular layout of 130 m² and consists of the dressing room, the warm and cold water environment. The heating system operated with an oven and a hypokaust system, ensuring the circulation of hot gases through the floor and walls.
During the communist regime, these baths were closed and over the years, many of the structures fell into degraded state. However, thanks to the full restoration, the ancient ad quintum station is already ready to welcome visitors and to resurrect as an important part of Elbasan’s historical heritage.
This cultural monument, protected by the Regional Directorate of Cultural Monuments, is expected to attract tourists and scholars of history, giving added value to cultural tourism in the area.
