The Archaeological Park lies in the center of the coastal city of Durrës. Here, you can explore Illyrian, Greek, and Roman heritage. At the same time, the beach stretches for about 10.5 kilometers along the city. When choosing where to stay, it is worth deciding what matters most to you: would you mainly like to explore archaeological sites and collections, or also make time for the water and leisure activities? Durrës offers different points of interest that you can discover at specific locations.
Amphitheater and archaeological remains
The Amphitheater of Durrës was built in the 2nd century AD. As an archaeological site, it is open to the public; opening arrangements may vary. Early Christian chapels on the site preserve remains of mosaics and frescoes. This means that, alongside Roman architectural history, early Christian heritage is also a focus. If you are especially interested in archaeological sites, this is a tangible way to explore the city’s history. If you are planning a visit, check the opening arrangements in advance.
The Archaeological Museum and its collection
The Archaeological Museum of Durrës was founded in 1951 to preserve, study, and present the historical heritage of ancient Dyrrachium, or Durrës. Its objects are arranged chronologically, from early antiquity through the Middle Ages. The museum holds more than 3,000 artifacts, including Roman funerary steles, stone sarcophagi, small busts of Venus, mosaics, sculptures, ancient vases, rare coins, and everyday objects. The chronological arrangement and wide range of examples offer a different focus from individual buildings: here, the collection brings together different aspects of the historical heritage.
Fortress, tower, and city walls
The Venetian Tower is a significant feature of the Byzantine fortress of Durrës. It was built around the 15th century on the foundations of a Byzantine tower. Inside the tower, visitors can explore historical events using digital and multimedia technologies. Offerings include VR headsets, audio guides, dome projections, and other interactive activities. This approach differs both from the museum’s chronological arrangement and from viewing archaeological remains. As operating conditions may change, check which offerings are available before your visit.
The circuit walls still visible today also tell the story of Durrës. Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (491–518), who was originally from Durrës, had them built after the damage caused by the devastating earthquake of 345. This historical context connects the walls with reconstruction after the earthquake and adds another perspective on the city to the architectural history of the tower.
Beach and leisure activities
The beach of Durrës stretches for about 10.5 kilometers along the coastal city. The water is shallow, and the seabed slopes gently toward the sea. Activities offered at the beach include jet skiing, boating, parasailing, and volleyball. These activities may be seasonal and depend on the operators. If one of them is important to your travel plans, check in advance what will be available during your visit.
There are different interests to choose from: archaeological sites and historical collections on the one hand, and the coast and leisure activities on the other. Even within the cultural offerings, the options differ: the amphitheater and walls convey architectural history, the museum arranges objects chronologically, and the Venetian Tower uses digital and multimedia interpretation. Which perspective shapes your stay depends on what you want to focus on during your time in Durrës.
Discover more destinations: Shijak, Maminas, Kruja District, Shetaj, Tapizë, Fushë-Kruje, Rinas, Shkallnur
Go to the main travel overview: Durrës County.
