Durrës, Albania
Region: Durrës
Geographic Coordinates: 41.311100, 19.439200
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Durrës, Albania are influenced by the Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters.
Population: 113249
Language: Albanian
Durrës is a stunning coastal city situated in the western part of Albania, Boasting a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC, Durrës has been an essential port throughout its history and is now the second-largest city in Albania. The city’s most significant attraction is its beautiful beaches, Stretching over 10 kilometers with crystal clear waters and golden sand that attracts tourists from around the world. Some of the most popular beaches include Golem Beach, Currila Beach, And Durresi Beach.
Apart from its stunning beaches, Durrës also has many historical landmarks worth visiting. The Ancient City Walls are one such landmark dating back to Byzantine times built to protect Durrës from invaders still standing tall today as a testament to Albania’s rich history. Another must-visit attraction is The Roman Amphitheatre built during Emperor Hadrian’s reign in 100 AD that could seat up to 15, 000 spectators for gladiator games and other events held during ancient times. The Archaeological Museum also houses fascinating artifacts from ancient times like pottery, Coins, Jewelry among others worth exploring.
Visitors can experience Albanian cuisine at its best with many restaurants serving traditional dishes such as Fergese (a dish made with peppers and cheese), Byrek (a savory pastry filled with meat or cheese), Tave Kosi (a dish made with lamb or beef) among others. For those looking for nightlife options head over to Rruga Taulantia where you’ll find bars playing live music till late hours into night along with cafes serving delicious coffee all day long making it one of Albania’s most happening streets!
In conclusion, Durrës offers something for everyone whether you’re interested in history, Culture or just want to relax on the beach. So if you’re planning a trip to Albania make sure you include Durrës on your itinerary!
- Durrës Amphitheatre
- Durrës Castle
- Venetian Tower of Durrës
- Royal Villa of King Zog
- Archaeological Museum of Durrës
- Ethnographic Museum of Durrës
- Beaches of Durrës, including Plazhi i Gjeneralit and Plazhi i Currilave
- Aleksander Moisiu Theatre
- Beach Park in Durres
- Tourism: Durrës is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions.
- Port activities: The Port of Durrës is the largest seaport in Albania and serves as an important hub for trade with other countries.
- Agriculture: The fertile land around Durrës produces various crops such as fruits, vegetables, olives, and grapes for wine production.
- Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing industries in Durrës such as textile production, food processing, and construction materials.
- Fishing industry: The city has a thriving fishing industry because of its location on the Adriatic Sea.
- Service sector: There are various service-based businesses in Durrës such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and retail shops catering to tourists and locals alike.
- Transportation sector: The city has a well-developed transportation network with bus services connecting it to other parts of Albania and neighboring countries like Kosovo and Montenegro.
- Ancient Illyrian settlement: Durrës has been inhabited since ancient times, with the Illyrians establishing a settlement there in the 7th century BCE.
- Roman colony: In 229 BCE, the Romans established a colony in Durrës called Dyrrhachium. The city became an important port and trade center for the Roman Empire.
- Byzantine rule: After the fall of Rome, Durrës came under Byzantine rule and remained an important city in the Eastern Roman Empire.
- Venetian occupation: In 1204 CE, Durrës was occupied by Venice during the Fourth Crusade and became part of their maritime empire.
- Ottoman conquest: In 1501 CE, Durrës was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and remained under their control for over four centuries.
- Albanian independence: On November 28th, 1912, Albanian nationalists declared independence from Ottoman rule in Durrës.
- Enver Hoxha’s regime: During communist dictator Enver Hoxha’s regime (1944-1985), many buildings were destroyed or replaced with socialist architecture to erase historical reminders of previous regimes.
- Mother Teresa: Saint Teresa of Calcutta was born in Skopje (now North Macedonia) but spent her early years living with her family in Durrës before moving to Tirana at age eight.
- Aleksander Moisiu Theater: The Aleksander Moisiu Theater is one of Albania’s oldest theaters and is located in central Durres near several significant historical sites such as the Durres Amphitheater and Venetian Tower.
- Cyrillic script: The Cyrillic script was created by two brothers from Bulgaria named Cyril and Methodius who were sent to spread Christianity among Slavic peoples; they spent time studying at a monastery near Durrës before creating the script.
- Durrës Archaeological Museum
- The Roman Amphitheatre
- The Venetian Tower
- Fatih Mosque
- Ethnographic Museum of Durrës
- Aleksander Moisiu Theatre
- Royal Villa of King Zog I of Albania
- National History Museum of Albania in Durrës Branch
- Aleksandër Xhuvani University Library
- Sheshi Liria (Freedom Square)
- KS Teuta Durrës – Founded in 1927, it is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Albania. The team has won several domestic titles including the Albanian Superliga.
- Vllaznia Durrës – Another popular football club founded in 1946. The team has also won several domestic titles and has a strong fan base.
- KS Shkumbini Peqin – A football club based in Peqin but plays its home games at the Loro Boriçi Stadium in Durrës due to lack of facilities at home ground.
- Bashkimi Basketball Club – One of the most successful basketball teams from Durrës with multiple championships and appearances in European competitions.
- KF Erzeni Shijak – A football club based near Durrës that plays its home games at the Niko Dovana Stadium located within the city limits.
- BC Kamza Basket – A relatively new basketball club formed by a merger between two local clubs from Kamza and Tirana but plays some of its games at venues within Durrës city limits as well.
These are just a few examples among many other sports teams that represent various disciplines such as handball, volleyball, boxing etc.
- Durrës International Film Festival
- Durrës Summer Festival
- Durrës Jazz Fest
- International Folklore Festival Durrësi në këngën tonë
- Durrës Wine Festival
- Carnival of Masks Karnavali i Maskave
- Independence Day Celebration Dita e Pavarësisë
- Saint Anthony’s Day Celebration Festa e Shën Antonit
- National Costume Parade Parada e Kostumeve Kombetare
- Tirana-Durres Marathon and Half Marathon
- Tave Kosi – a traditional Albanian dish made with lamb and yogurt.
- Fërgesë Tirane – a dish made with peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
- Qofte – meatballs made with beef or lamb.
- Byrek – a pastry filled with cheese or spinach.
- Baklava – a sweet dessert made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.
Some popular restaurants in Durrës are:
- Restaurant Aragosta – known for its seafood dishes and beachfront location.
- Restaurant Piazza – serves traditional Albanian cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Taverna e Kasapit – offers grilled meats and local specialties in a rustic atmosphere.
- Bora Bora Beach Bar & Restaurant- located on the beachfront, this restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes and cocktails.
- Restorant Napoloni- offers Italian cuisine such as pizza and pasta dishes along the coast of Durres’.
- Currila Beach: This is a popular beach with crystal clear water and soft sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.
- Durres Amphitheatre: This ancient amphitheater was built during the Roman era and is one of the largest in the Balkans. It offers visitors a glimpse into Albania’s rich history.
- Durres Archaeological Museum: This museum displays artifacts from different periods of Albanian history, including the Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
- Durres Castle: Built during the 5th century AD by Emperor Anastasius I to protect against barbarian invasions from across the Adriatic Sea.
- Sheshi Liria Park: A large park located in downtown Durrës that offers green spaces for picnicking or relaxing under shade trees.
- Port of Durres Marina: Visitors can rent boats or yachts for sailing on the Adriatic Sea or enjoy seafood restaurants along this beautiful waterfront area.
- Durrës City Walls & Gates: The city walls were built during different periods of Albanian history as a defense against invaders; visitors can explore these structures to learn more about Albania’s past.
- Venetian Tower (Tower of St Anthony): A historic tower located near Currila Beach that offers panoramic views over Durrës Bay.
- Royal Villa Of King Zogu- Located on top of Cape Rodon which gives you an amazing view over both sides of cape Rodon bay.
- Durres Bazaar- A market where you can find anything from fresh produce to clothes at affordable prices.
