Durrës, the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Albania, is renowned for its picturesque setting along the Adriatic Sea. The city boasts enchanting sandy beaches and a lively boardwalk adorned with vibrant buildings and charming cafes.
1. The Roman amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian
The amphitheater of Durrës, the largest and most important, not only in Albania, is the beginning of the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the reign of the emperor Hadrian.
The Amphitheater of Durrës has values of architectural art and can be compared with the monuments of this period of Pompeii and Capua in Italy. The amphitheater has an ellipse shape with a diameter of 136 meters and a height of about 20 m. The stairs covered with white tiles held 16-20,000 people, while gladiator fights were held in the arena.
This amphitheater has Roman architecture and its construction in the center of the city 351 m from the sea, starts at the plane of the arena 5.5 m above sea level, while 2/3 support on the hill. The 1800-year-old amphitheater stands among 30 amphitheatres of the ancient world from Rome to Budapest and Lyon. After the year 0, a number of them intend to realize the full disclosure of the construction and the collaboration with the University of Parma is expected to form the completion of the project in the future the entire movable geography of the Amphitheater.
2. Durres Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Durrës (Albanian: Muzeu Arkeologijik i Durrësit) in Durrës, Albania, established in 1951, is the largest archaeological museum in the country. The museum is located near the beach and north of the museum are the 6th-century Byzantine walls, constructed after the Visigoth invasion of 481. The 1997 rebellion in Albania saw the museum seriously damaged and looted.
The bulk of the museum consists of 3204 artifacts found in the nearby ancient site of Dyrrhachium and includes an extensive collection from the Ancient Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Items of major note include Roman funeral steles and stone sarcophagi and a collection of miniature busts of Venus, testament to the time when Durrës was a center of worship of the goddess.
3. The Fatih Mosque
The Fatih Mosque (Albanian: Xhamia e Fatihut), also alternatively referred to as Xhamia e vogël (translated as The Small Mosque) and Xhamia e vjetër (translated as The Old Mosque), stands as a Cultural Monument of Albania, situated in Durrës. Built in 1502, a year following the Turkish conquest of the city, it bears the name of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (Sulltan Mehmet Fatihu).
Initially closed by Communist authorities during the era of Enver Hoxha, the mosque attained the status of a cultural monument in 1973. While its minaret was dismantled during that period, it was later reconstructed in a simpler style after the end of the Communist dictatorship.
4. The Venetian Tower / Durrës Castle
The Venetian Tower stands out as one of the most captivating and historically significant defensive structures in Durrës. A key component of the Byzantine fortress of Durrës, declared a first-category cultural monument, it was once renowned as one of the most formidable defensive strongholds along the western coast of the Adriatic Sea. The current fortress has its origins in the initial construction efforts of Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (491–518), a native of Durrës (ancient Dyrrhachium).
Constructed atop the remains of the Byzantine tower around the XV century, the Venetian Tower was reinforced with cannons to safeguard the city from maritime threats. Designed specifically to accommodate artillery, it served as a vital observation point for monitoring the surrounding area.
In 2022-2023, the Venetian Tower underwent renovation and transformation into the first Albanian Heritage Interpretation Center. It now provides visitors with the opportunity to explore historical events and places through state-of-the-art digital and multimedia tools, including VR headsets, audio guides, dome multimedia projections, and other engaging activities. This immersive experience combines entertainment with a profound exploration of the city’s ancient history.
5. The Bay of Lalzi – Lalzi Bay (Albanian: Gjiri i Lalzit)
The Bay of Lalzi is a large bay of the Adriatic Sea within the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe.
It got its name from the village of Lalëz, which is located near the northeastern shore of the bay. It is open from the sea side. The width of the entrance is 20 km, the length of the coastline is 35 km.
The coast, with the exception of the parts belonging to Cape Rodon and Bishti Palla, is low, with lagoons and swampy places (Bishtaraka lagoon).
Erzeni, Tarini and Vorba streams flow into the bay. They deposit large amounts of solid materials and are the cause of the constant change of the bay’s coastline (which advances against the sea) and its shallowness. The bay is well protected from northerly winds, but is open to winds from other directions.
Some of the best resorts and summer residences in Albania are currently located in Lalezi Bay. Complex Lura, San Pietro Resort, Turquaz Marina, Porto Lalzi, Valamar, Melia Hotel Durres, etc. are some of the resorts which are ideal for spending vacations in the summer or even a single day traveling from Durres.
