Beyond Tirana · Beyond Tirana
Durrës: the back story
The back story
About Durrës: the back story
Durrës is one of the oldest cities in Albania, founded in the 7th century BC. Today it is the country’s main port and Tirana’s nearest beach.
Epidamnos and Dyrrachium
Greek colonists founded Epidamnos in the 7th century BC; as Roman Dyrrachium it was the start of the Via Egnatia, the road to Constantinople.
The amphitheatre
The Roman amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century AD, was hidden under houses until it was rediscovered in the 1960s. A small Byzantine chapel with mosaics survives within it.
Durrës’s amphitheatre was rediscovered only in the 1960s.
The seafront
The promenade runs past the Venetian Tower and the Archaeological Museum, and long sandy beaches stretch south of the city.
Our advice: combine the amphitheatre, the Archaeological Museum and a walk on the seafront in half a day, then have lunch by the sea. It is an easy trip from Tirana.
Why it's on our list
- Epidamnos and Dyrrachium
- The amphitheatre
- The seafront
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Durrës: the back story before you go.