The coastal town of Durres, 34 km from Tirana, is home to Albania’s largest port and one of the country’s oldest cities. The Eternal City on the Adriatic has a 3,000-year history that goes back to 627 BC. It dates back to the time when the Corinthians and the settlers of the ancient Greek city of Corcyra on the island of Corfu invaded Taulant Ilyrian territory. .
Due to its long history, the city is naturally full of ancient archaeological sites and finds, including the amphitheater of the famous Roman Emperor Hadrian, with a capacity of 15,000 seats making it the second largest amphitheater in the Balkans.
The history of Durres is evidenced by a litany of surviving objects and buildings: baths from the 2nd century AD, a Byzantine forum with marble columns built around the 5th-6th centuries, and a small church from the 9th century, the walls of which are covered with mosaics. These remnants of the past can be reached from the amphitheater.
The old town was surrounded by a wall, a third of which has survived to this day. Caesar himself once walked on ancient roads that have survived through history. Those interested in learning about this history can visit the recently refurbished Archaeological Museum on Taulantius Road. Although “Bukuroshja e Durrësit” ( ” The Beauty of Durrës “), the famous archaeological mosaic found in Durrës and dated to the 4th century BC is kept in Tirana’s National Historical Museum.
Durres is a fantastic place for history and art lovers: in addition to the Archaeological Museum, visitors can visit the Ethnographic Museum, the home of the famous actor Alexander Moissy and the Central Art Gallery.
Durres is also an ideal destination for those who want to relax by the sea, as its sandy beaches and numerous restaurants with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea make for an ideal and relaxing day trip.