The University of Bern officially confirms: The Lin peninsula in Pogradec in Albania is the oldest settlement in Europe!

Moreover, this incredible discovery is made even more remarkable by the fact that it’s nestled by the pristine waters of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Exciting news! The results of over 4-year excavations by Albanian archaeologists and researchers from the University of Bern have conclusively confirmed that the Palafit settlement of Lini in Pogradec holds the title of the oldest settlement in Europe, dating back over 8,500 years.

Albert Hafner, an esteemed archaeologist from Switzerland, reveals that we are looking at a groundbreaking settlement that pioneered agriculture approximately 8 to 9 thousand years ago. The significance of this discovery extends far beyond its borders, as it played a crucial role in spreading agricultural practices not only to Italy but throughout the entire European continent.

“The knowledge we have acquired in Switzerland will be moved here to continue with excavations so that we have more news about the oldest settlement in Europe. We want to know the exact dates of this settlement. Agriculture was developed here, which was then moved to Italy and throughout Europe”, says the Swiss archaeologist.

The Lin peninsula and its ancient settlement are surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The lake’s exceptional cultural and natural value makes this archaeological finding even more awe-inspiring.

This extraordinary settlement is approximately 2 thousand years older than previously discovered settlements in Switzerland, shedding new light on the ancient history of human civilization.

For the Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi, this is not only a great discovery, as the results have also confirmed it. He goes further when he says that all the findings can be placed in Pogradec, or even in digital form for the purpose of archaeological tourism.