[1] The last archaeological researches has explored different trails which demonstrate the population of the area from the paleolithic era.

[7] The city used to be the site of one of the most terrible prisons of the communist regime, where both ordinary criminals and political prisoners such as Bashkim Shehu and Fatos Lubonja or the Catholic priest Dom Simon Jubani were held.

The political prisoners used to be condemned for attempts at overthrowing the state or anti-communist propaganda and agitation, for terms of at least 20 years.

After the fall of the communist regime, the government of the Democratic Party of Albania closed the prison and made it a museum.

The region of Mati is a real archaeological museum and an ancient cradle of the Illyrian culture.

Dilaver Kurti explored objects which demonstrate fact for all ancient historic periods, cultural development not only from the region of Mati but even for all the surroundings.