About destination

Durrësi, the biggest seaport of the country, is located 34km away from Tirana. It is the most ancient city in Albania or the eternal city over Adriatic sea, with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants.

During the 9th century, a small church with mosaic-covered walls was built nearby. You can also see the bathhouses of the 2nd century A.D. and the nearby Byzantine forum of the 5th-6th century with marble columns. One-third of the original wall of the city castle is still standing, and you can even walk along the same road that Caesar himself once strolled. The Archeological Museum is located in a new building on Taulantia road, one of the most important of its kind and great interest to visitors. Items of major note include Roman funeral steles and stone sarcophagi, an elliptical colorful mosaic measuring 17 by 10 feet, referred to as The Beauty of Durrës, and a collection of miniature busts of Venus, testament to the time when Durrës was a center of worship of the goddess. The most renowned archaeological structure found in Durrës is “Bukuroshja e Durrësit,” a mosaic from the 4thcentury B.C. Today, it is exhibited in the National Historic Museum in Tirana.

The largest of all public buildings constructed in the time of Dyrrachium (ancient Durres), 1st and 2nd centuries CE, is the Amphitheater of Durres. The location of the structure, common in this period, was the center of the city. This was an attraction for the surrounding citizens, travelers, and merchants along the Egnatian Way.

The Ethnographic Museum is the house of the historic famous actor Alexander Moissi born near Durres .

The Art Gallery of the city is placed at the main square Illyria.

In addition to its historical value, Durrës is also a beautiful place to take a break, due to its sandy beaches, hotels and urban feel. You will find excellent restaurants and accommodations all along the sea’s edge.