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The city of Durrës, the second largest city in Albania, and one of the most important archaeological and economic destinations in Europe. Although multiple wars devastated it in the past, today it has been revitalized by the inhabitants, and is currently one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Durrës
Durrës in Durres County (Albania)
Durrës
Durrës guide
What to do in Durrës
Castle of Durrës
This monument consists of a single tower and wall, and is known in many guides as the Venetian Tower. It dates from the 400s, during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Anastasio I, who was born in this city. Since its construction, the Castle of Durrës has seen a serious action, reinforced by the Venetians just before the conquest of the city by the Ottomans. In 1939, the castle was the base of a heterogeneous collection of Albanian patriots who tried to delay the advance of the Italian army. Some 360 locals remained successful until the Italian armored units landed in the port and took over the city.
Durrës Beach
The most popular destination in Albania to spend a day by the sea, Durrës Beach stretches for more than ten kilometers along the seafront of the city. The urban part of the beach is crazy in the summer, when it is full of people from all walks of life. All sorts of things are happening, from foosball games to water sports events. You will never have to leave your seat to grab a snack as street vendors patrol the arteries among the tight webs of hammocks, selling a wide variety of beverages and foods, often from the packets of donkeys that drive along the sand.
Villa Real de Durrës
The Albanian monarchy, which lasted from 1928 to 1939, has been extinct for more than seven decades, but this building on the top of a hill in Durrës is an interesting reminder of this era. These days, the Villa Real is abandoned, but it has a fascinating history. It was built in 1937 for King Zog I, who could only enjoy the residence for one year. After the monarchy dissolved, the village became a large communist reception building, welcoming both Nikita Khrushchev and Jimmy Carter on official visits. When Albania fell into temporary civil disturbances in 1997, the village was ransacked and has not been modified since then.
Archeological Museum
The largest archaeological museum in Albania, here you can see what was left behind by the different civilizations that settled in this region. It is only a few steps from the seafront and was established in 1951, with collections covering all periods, from the culture of ancient Illyria to Roman times, the Byzantine era and the domination of the Ottoman Empire. Roman objects are particularly intriguing and include miniature busts of Venus and stone sarcophagi. The museum as an institution has its own story to tell, since it was sacked in the riots in 1997 and has recently been renovated.
Byzantine Forum
At the heart of Durrës is the modest but evocative collection of colonnades that formed the forum of Macellum after Roman times. It dates between the years 600 and 800 and is paved with excavated marble stones. You can approach the Corinthian columns in the forum to see the exquisite detail of the stone. There was a time when there would be a statue in the center of the square for the Byzantine emperor who was in power at that time. Near the forum are the Roman thermal baths of Durrës, which were discovered along with the amphitheater in the 1960s. What remains is a hypocaust and a five by seven pond.
Durrës Mosque
There are two impressive mosques to track down in Durrës, since Albania's relationship with religion was interrupted during the communist era, and each place of worship has its own history. The Great Mosque is the youngest of the two structures, having been built in 1931 by King Zog I on the site of a previous Ottoman building. After 1967 its minaret was destroyed and the building was used as a center for local youth organizations. Smaller and much older is the Fatih Mosque, dating from 1503 in the first decades of Ottoman rule. This was also closed during communism, but it was declared an Albanian cultural monument in the 70s.
Spille Beach
A few kilometers south of the city, just after Kavaje, lies this natural beach that offers a contrast to the rough seaside promenade of Durres. Spille is for those who want a more relaxed day by the sea and attracts fewer visitors, which makes it easy to find a place for you at any time of the year. Despite the seclusion and the natural environment, all the services you may need are offered. You can rent chairs and umbrellas for comfort, and throughout the day the fruit sellers will sell fresh fruit from the market.
Castle of Krujë
If you want to witness the scene of a momentous event in the history of Albania, head northeast to Castle Krujë, popularly named for the Albanian national icon Skanderbeg. As the Ottoman Empire conquered the surrounding region, this fortress stood firm, resisting the armies of Mehmed II in three successive sieges during the fifteenth century. To give you an idea of its national importance, the castle is on the back of the 500 Lekë bill of Albania. Inside the Gothic building there is an exhibition dedicated to Skanderbeg, and you should also take a moment to enjoy the rugged beauty of the highlands at 550 meters above sea level.
Climate in Durrës
In Durrës, the summers are warm, muggy, dry, and mostly clear and the winters are long, cold, wet, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 39°F to 85°F and is rarely below 31°F or above 91°F.
The best time of year to visit Durrës for hot-weather activities is from late June to late August.
