Geographical position
Dardha is located southeast of Korça (20 km). It is a mountain village located in a hollow between the hills of St. Peter, autumn rock and several other hills. This tourist attraction offers an ideal climate, fresh air rich in oxygen which makes it a favorite throughout the year. The numerous snowfalls and the created natural tracks are very suitable for the development of winter sports, especially skiing.
Background
Dardha got its name from the expression “under the pear” and was created around the 1600s. In 1768, the first school was opened, bringing with it its civilization. The peak of development was reached in the years 1913-1936 when there were around 500 houses. Since 1800, Dardha has been mentioned for woodworking, shajak, beautiful costumes. The village is known for their ax as “Sepata e dardhari”. Dardha has had three churches like that of Saint Thanas, Saint George and Saint Peter. Darda’s development now depends on tourism.
Customs and traditions
Dardha is distinguished for early traditions and characteristic costumes, for woodworking.
Traditional holidays
The most traditional festivals of Darda are Saint Mary’s and Saint Peter’s, which are attended by visitors from all over the world. The feast of Saint Mary is celebrated on August 16. The feast of Saint Peter is organized every year in the beautiful forest and the church of the same name built on a rock. During the ceremonies, the traditional pear dance is played, performed with the characteristic costume with red and black colors and a silver belt.
Typical dishes
Dardha is known for preserving foods such as pickles and sourdough as a specialty of the country. Also, the village is very well known for its famous saç roasted lakrori and double-boiled wild plum brandy, which has a very special taste. In Dardha, the food is organic, fresh and produced by the residents themselves.
Attractions
Dardha is built with characteristic ground floor houses covered with gray tiles. Besides them, there are also new buildings and contemporary hotels. Another feature is the cobbled streets. In Dardha, a museum has been established and is functioning, which exhibits the history and heritage of the village. The tourist attraction is also preferred for its natural features. Snowfall and natural tracks are quite suitable for the development of winter sports, especially skiing. Pear water has been used since early times for its curative values and it suffices to mention here what is known as Stinky Water. This source is so called because of the heavy smell and taste due to the high sulfur content. Stinky Water and other sources are known for its curative properties against anemia, stomach, black liver, kidney and many others. A rare monument of nature is the 120-year-old cherry tree.
What can you do in Dardha?
– Visit the churches of Darda
– Explore nature trails
– Walk in the village
– Don’t forget to visit “Stinky Water”
– Don’t leave without tasting the organic traditional foods of the area and the plum brandy
– Skiing in the winter season
– Climbing the mountain