Durrës is the second-largest city in the country and has an ancient history dating back to the period of antiquity in the 7th century BC. Located just 33 kilometers west of the capital Tirana, this city offers to visitors everything from historical tourism, natural tourism, and of course maritime tourism, as it lies along the beautiful Adriatic coast.
Once, Durrës was the capital of Albania, proclaimed by Prince Vid in 1914, although a few years later Tirana took over the baton. Durrës has a historical significance for our country because in it are found the traces of our entire history.
Another peculiarity that characterizes the city of Durrës is the fact that all the historical or archeological sites worth visiting are located very close to the city center and are easily accessible on foot. These are the 4 historical sites that you should not miss during your stay in Durrës.
Durrës Amphitheater
Just 8 minutes drive or a short walk from Epidam Boulevard, the famous Durrës Amphitheater is an attraction in the city of Durrës that should not be missed.
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| Durrës Amphitheater |
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| Inside Durrës Amphitheater |
As in the Colosseum in Rome, this amphitheater, which is representative of Roman architecture, had gladiatorial fights in an elliptical space, 136 meters in diameter and 20 meters high, holding up to 20,000 spectators.
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| At Durrës Amphitheater while a local Festival is being held |
Nowadays various theatrical performances are held in the former battlefield of this amphitheater, certainly preserving the entire physiognomy of this archeological site.
A visit to this amphitheater should not be missed for any reason, above all to understand the old history of this city since antiquity.
Durrës Castle
The castle of Durrës was built by the emperor of the Byzantine Empire Anastasius I, who originated exactly from Durrës.
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| The castle of Durrës |
Numerous earthquakes in the city of Durrës, unfortunately, the last one of 2019, have caused the surrounding wall of the castle to be reconstructed several times.
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| Durrës Castle walls |
To the medieval walls were added some towers during the conquest of the Republic of Venice as well as some fortification walls during the Ottoman Empire.
Venetian Tower
Part of the Byzantine Castle of Durrës, the Venetian Tower is a circular tower in the center of the city of Durrës built in the 15th century on top of the existing Byzantine tower.
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| Venetian Tower in Durrës |
The tower has a diameter of 16 meters and a height of 8 meters and the inner walls are built of stone bricks in the shape of an arch.
Nowadays, visitors can find a bar-restaurant inside this so emblematic tower of the ancient city of Durres.
Royal Villa
Right next to the amphitheater of Durrës, only about 14 minutes away on foot, is the Royal Villa, also known as the Villa of King Zog, located on top of a hill from which you can clearly see the entire coastline of the city.
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| Inside the Royal Villa in Durrës |
Built-in 1927, the Art Deco architectural villa has the shape of an eagle and is known for its blue marble and 'magnificent living room'.
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| Royal Villa in Durrës |
Unfortunately, King Zog could not enjoy this villa as he had to flee the country and during the communist regime, it was used to receive senior officials from the leaders of the time.
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| Inside the Royal Villa of King Zog in Durrës |
Although during the riots of 1997, this villa suffered some minor damage, today it can be enjoyed by various citizens who should definitely visit at least once this historic structure of the city of Durres.