Gramata bay

Gramata bay on Karaburun peninsula is locatad northwest of Dhermi beach on the west side of the rocky coast of Karaburun peninsula which is the north end of Acroceraunian mountains. Beside its impressive beach and location it is also known for it’s various epigraphs which are carved out on it’s rocks in Greek writing, letters and symbols. Gramata harbor is located about 45 minutes away by boat to the north and is a must see place as it represents a real treasured outdoor museum with a very unusual and beautiful harbor. The earliest Gramata inscriptions date from the 3rd century BC, and continue during subsequent periods, until the 19th century. The earliest Gramata inscriptions are dedicated to various deities and prayer for deliverance from the storm at sea. In the Gramata inscriptions are mentioned many historical figures such as the Roman city of Pompeii, Publius Cornelius Dolabella, Marcus Antonius. Perhaps they are messages carved out by sailors before they sailed across the Strait of Otranto to Italy. Access to Grammata is only possible by sea.

History

Grammata Beach is located at the foot of the western slope of Karaburun, which is part of Himara Region. The bay served as a place of refuge for ships that were in difficulty along the dangerous coast in bad time. Originally served as an area of stone exploitation, traces of which appear today on both slopes. Grammata name is linked explicitly with engraved inscriptions in antiquity. More than 1500 inscriptions were counted on its rocks, which are mainly in ancient Greek inscriptions, followed by some Latin inscriptions.

Some ancient inscriptions in Greek language are directed to Dioskurve, beaver and Poluksit, who are saviors divinity, protectors of seafarers and ships. The formula used specifies that the author of the inscription asks for help from Dioskureve for the people and the ships.

Medieval inscriptions, written in Greek, are usually prayers that refer to Jesus Christ and christian saints. Strange medieval document, presented by Henry Daum, shows that by 1369, the Roman emperor Johani V Paleologos was housed in Grammata Bay, during a trip to Venice.