Durres, Albania
Historic Sites
Surely one of the greatest pieces of ancient architecture in Albania, if not the Balkans, the Durres Amphitheatre was built in 100AD by Hadrian and was only rediscovered in the 1960s. It was used for about 300 years and back then it could as many as 20,000 spectators. This grand scale is part of what makes the landmark special, but archaeologists are also intrigued by how the building demonstrates the Roman transition to Christianity. Within this site is a chapel with stunning wall mosaics of saints, showing how the amphitheatre took on a religious purpose later in its life.
88 Einheimische empfehlen
Amphitheater von Durres
Rruga KalaseSurely one of the greatest pieces of ancient architecture in Albania, if not the Balkans, the Durres Amphitheatre was built in 100AD by Hadrian and was only rediscovered in the 1960s. It was used for about 300 years and back then it could as many as 20,000 spectators. This grand scale is part of what makes the landmark special, but archaeologists are also intrigued by how the building demonstrates the Roman transition to Christianity. Within this site is a chapel with stunning wall mosaics of saints, showing how the amphitheatre took on a religious purpose later in its life.
This monument consists of a single tower and wall, and is referred to in many guides as the Venetian Tower. It dates way back to the 400s, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I who was born in this city. Since its construction Durres Castle has seen some serious action, having been reinforced by the Venetians just before the city’s conquest by the Ottomans. In 1939 the castle was the base for a ragtag collection of Albanian patriots trying to delay the advance of the Italian army. Some 360 locals held their ground successfully until armoured Italian units disembarked at the port and took the city.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Durres Castle
This monument consists of a single tower and wall, and is referred to in many guides as the Venetian Tower. It dates way back to the 400s, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I who was born in this city. Since its construction Durres Castle has seen some serious action, having been reinforced by the Venetians just before the city’s conquest by the Ottomans. In 1939 the castle was the base for a ragtag collection of Albanian patriots trying to delay the advance of the Italian army. Some 360 locals held their ground successfully until armoured Italian units disembarked at the port and took the city.
The Albanian monarchy, which lasted from 1928-1939, has been defunct for more than seven decades, but this building atop a hill in Durres stands as an interesting reminder of this era. These days the Royal Villa is derelict, but it has a fascinating history. It was built in 1937 for King Zog I, who only got to enjoy the residence for a year. After the monarchy was dissolved the villa became a grand communist reception building, welcoming both Nikita Khrushchev and Jimmy Carter on official visits. When Albania descended into temporary civil unrest in 1997 the villa was ransacked, and has remained unaltered since then.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Royal Villa of Durrës
The Albanian monarchy, which lasted from 1928-1939, has been defunct for more than seven decades, but this building atop a hill in Durres stands as an interesting reminder of this era. These days the Royal Villa is derelict, but it has a fascinating history. It was built in 1937 for King Zog I, who only got to enjoy the residence for a year. After the monarchy was dissolved the villa became a grand communist reception building, welcoming both Nikita Khrushchev and Jimmy Carter on official visits. When Albania descended into temporary civil unrest in 1997 the villa was ransacked, and has remained unaltered since then.
The largest archaeological museum in Albania, here you can see what all the different civilisations that settled this region left behind. It’s just a few steps from the waterfront and was established in 1951, with collections that cover every period from the Ancient Illyrian culture, through the Roman era, Byzantine times and the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The Roman items are particularly intriguing and include miniature busts of Venus and stone sarcophagi. The museum as an institution has its own story to tell, as it was ransacked in the unrest in 1997 and has only recently been renovated.
56 Einheimische empfehlen
Archaeological Museum of Durrës
32 Rruga TaulantiaThe largest archaeological museum in Albania, here you can see what all the different civilisations that settled this region left behind. It’s just a few steps from the waterfront and was established in 1951, with collections that cover every period from the Ancient Illyrian culture, through the Roman era, Byzantine times and the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The Roman items are particularly intriguing and include miniature busts of Venus and stone sarcophagi. The museum as an institution has its own story to tell, as it was ransacked in the unrest in 1997 and has only recently been renovated.
At the heart of Durres is the modest but evocative collection of colonnades that made up Macellum’s forum after the Roman era. It dates between the 600s and the 800s and is paved with excavated marble stones. You can get up close to the Corinthian columns in the forum to see the exquisite detail of the stonework. At one time there would have been a statue at the centre of the plaza for whichever Byzantine emperor was in power at the time. Close to the forum are Durres’ Roman thermal baths, which were discovered along with the amphitheatre in the 1960s. What remains is a hypocaust and a pool five metres by seven.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Byzantine Market
Rruga Aleksander GogaAt the heart of Durres is the modest but evocative collection of colonnades that made up Macellum’s forum after the Roman era. It dates between the 600s and the 800s and is paved with excavated marble stones. You can get up close to the Corinthian columns in the forum to see the exquisite detail of the stonework. At one time there would have been a statue at the centre of the plaza for whichever Byzantine emperor was in power at the time. Close to the forum are Durres’ Roman thermal baths, which were discovered along with the amphitheatre in the 1960s. What remains is a hypocaust and a pool five metres by seven.
Sightseeing
Albania’s most popular destination for a day by the sea, Durres Beach stretches out for more than ten kilometres along the city’s waterfront. The urban part of the beach is crazy in the summer, when it’s packed with people from all walks of life. There are all manner of things going on, from games of table football to water sports events. You’ll never need to leave your seat for a snack as hawkers patrol the arteries between the tight grids of sunbeds, selling a huge array of drinks and foodstuffs, often from the packs of donkeys that they lead along the sand.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Beach of Durrës
Albania’s most popular destination for a day by the sea, Durres Beach stretches out for more than ten kilometres along the city’s waterfront. The urban part of the beach is crazy in the summer, when it’s packed with people from all walks of life. There are all manner of things going on, from games of table football to water sports events. You’ll never need to leave your seat for a snack as hawkers patrol the arteries between the tight grids of sunbeds, selling a huge array of drinks and foodstuffs, often from the packs of donkeys that they lead along the sand.