Durres is the second largest city in Albania and has a long history dating back to the period of antiquity in the 7th century BC. Only 33 km away from Tirana, this city offers a variety of options for visitors, from historic tourism, to archaeological, natural and of course coastal tourism, as it stretches along the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
Once, Durres used to be the capital of Albania, designated by Prince Vid back in 1914. It holds great historical significance for our country as in it, are the landmarks and footprints of our entire history.
Another quality that characterizes the city of Durres is the fact that all these historic and archaeological sites are found right next to one another and can be reached by foot. These are the 4 must-see historical sites you should definitely pay a visit to, while in Durres.
The Amphitheatre of Durres
An 8-minute drive away from the city-centre, or a brief 20-minute walk from the Boulevard of Epidam, the famous Amphitheatre of Durres is an attraction that can’t be missed.
Discovered back in 1966 and built in the beginning of the 2nd century, during the conquest of the Roman emperor Trajan in Albania, this 2700-year old structure is the largest one and most important of its kind, not only in Albania but also in the Balkans.
Just like in Rome’s Colosseum, in this amphitheatre, representative of Roman architecture, there used to be fights between gladiators and wild beasts, taking place in the elliptical space, with a 136 m diameter and 20 m latitude, which used to hold up to 20.000 spectators.
Nowadays, this former battle ground is often used for various theatrical plays, while certainly preserving its archaeological physiognomy.
A visit in this amphitheatre should be a must while in Durres, so you can have a clearer understanding of Albanian history during different reigns and epochs.
Castle of Durres
The Castle of Durres was built by the Byzantine Emperor, Anastasi I, who was originally from Durres. Unfortunately, the many earthquakes that hit this city, including the most recent one in 2019, caused this castle many damages, hence its numerous restorations. Its medieval walls were fortified with several watch towers during the reign of the Republic of Venice and some reinforcement walls were also added during the Ottoman Empire.
Venetian Tower
Part of the Byzantine Castle of Durres, the Venetian Tower is a circular structure in the centre of Durres, built in the 15th century on top of the existing Byzantine tower. This structure has a diameter of 16 meters and an 8-meter height, with its internal walls being built from domed stone bricks.
Nowadays, tourists and locals can visit its indoors structure while also enjoying the premises, which have turned to a bar-restaurant that marks a unique experience definitely worth living, in this structure that is now emblematic of the city of Durres.
Royal Villa
Only a short 14-minute walk away from the Amphitheatre, the Royal Villa, also known as the Villa of King Zog, is found on top of a hill overseeing the entire coast. Built in 1927, the villa built in the architectural style known as Art Deco, is shaped like an eagle and is famed for its blue marble and ‘magnificent entry hall’.
Unfortunately, King Zog and his family weren’t able to enjoy it as they had to go in exile and during the communist regime this villa served as a reception hall for high officials of the time. During the upheavals of 1997 in Albania, this villa was looted, but nonetheless it remains a gem and historic landmark characterizing the city of Durres, and one that you should absolutely not miss out on.
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