Durrës
Durrës, historically also known as Durazzo and Dyrrachium, is the second largest city and a municipality of Albania. It is central on the coast, about 33 km (21 mi) west of the capital Tirana. It is one of the most ancient and economically significant cities of Albania. Durrës is at one of the narrower points of the Adriatic Sea, opposite the Italian ports of Bari (300 km or 186 mi away) and Brindisi (200 km or 124 mi away). Durrës is home to Albania's main port, the Port of Durrës, and to the newest public university, the Aleksandër Moisiu University.
Places to visit in Durrës
- Durrës Amphitheater, the biggest in the Balkans it also features renovated iconography works.
- Durrës Ancient City Wall, Medieval Hammam and the Tophane Well located inside and around the wall.
- Venetian Tower (Rotonda) is a circular tower at the city center built in the 16th century with a restaurant on top.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum featuring archaeological artifacts found in and around the area
- Churches and mosques have been renovated and are located at the city center. These include: Fatih Mosque built in 1503, Shen Lucia Catholic Church built in 1907, Shen Gjergji Orthodox Church built in the 19th century, New Mosque built in 1937, and the 2001 built Shen Asti and Pali Orthodox Church.
- Take a tour of King Zog's Villa located on top of a hill overlooking the city. Even though it was looted in the 1997 uprising, it can still be appreciated for its luxurious interior and historical past. Prince Leka has plans to renovate the villa in the near future.
- Byzantine Forum (Macellum) built in the 5th century AD and Public Baths around and beneath Alexander Moissi Palace of Culture
- Koloseo Art Gallery, showcasing the best of Durres natives paintings.
Things to do
- Go for an evening walk along the new beach front deck and the sea front promenade where you can see locals strolling around or even men with bears on a leash or with snakes entwined around their necks! This is usually only in the summer when loads of tourists come.
- Villa Hill (Kodra e Viles), Rruga Currila. Panoramic view of Durres seaside at Currilat from top of a newly reclaimed hill
- Seaside Large Steps (Shkallet tek Brryli), Intersection between Rruga Currila and Rruga Taulantia (Brryli area). Sit and admire the sea from up close on these large steps descending into the water
- Visit the Open Port Festival where the Port of Durres opens to the public every year in May featuring various exhibits of historic ships and modern inventions coupled with local entertainment.
- Take a look at interesting films from around the world at the annual Durres International Film Summer Festival in early September.
- Visit Scanderbeg Castle, Ishem Castle and Shen Ndout Church near Lalzit Bay in Cape of Rodon.
- Take a tour of the wine producing region of Gjepalaj and visit the local Kokomani Winery.
Durrës Amphitheater Durrës Harbor Durrës Castle