Durrës is located on the western coast of Albania, along the shores of the Adriatic Sea, and is one of the oldest and most important cities in the country. With a strategic position between Tirana and the coast, the city represents a key economic, cultural and tourist hub, and is Albania's largest seaport.
Founded in 627 BC, Durrës is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, having been continuously inhabited for over 2,600 years. During the Roman period, the city gained great importance due to the beginning of the famous Via Egnatia road, which connected it to Thessaloniki and then to Constantinople. Over time, Durrës was influenced by the Roman, Byzantine and later Ottoman Empires, maintaining a strong civic identity and rich heritage throughout this time.
One of the most important historical monuments of the city is the Durrës Amphitheater, built in the 2nd century AD, which is the largest in the Balkans and among the largest in Southeast Europe. Nearby is the Archaeological Museum, the largest in the country, where objects belonging to the Illyrian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods are exhibited, testifying to the rich civilization of the area.
The Durrës Castle, with its 5th-century defensive walls and later Venetian additions, surrounds the oldest part of the city and still stands today as a symbol of historical continuity. Over these ruins, centuries have added new architectural layers, including mosques, churches, and civic buildings.
The characteristic that distinguishes Durrës today is the harmonious combination of history and coastal tourism. The city has a long coastline with accessible and frequented beaches throughout the tourist season. The seaside promenade area has been transformed into a modern space for rest and recreation, where restaurants, hotels, art galleries and cultural venues are located.
Durrës' cultural heritage is not limited to monuments and historical buildings. The city is an active center of art, literature and music. It hosts important festivals, cultural activities and exhibitions that reflect modern urban life, without severing the connection with its rich past.
Durrës is a city open to coastal tourism and history. It is a rare testament to ancient civilization, but also a dynamic modern center that offers diverse cultural, archaeological and tourist experiences to anyone who visits.
