Published by Hotel 6 Marsi Team
When you’re staying in Golem, you’re perfectly positioned to explore one of Albania’s most historically significant cities. Durres, just 15 minutes north of Hotel 6 Marsi, is home to some of the Balkans’ most impressive ancient sites and offers a fascinating journey through over 2,000 years of Mediterranean history.
The Crown Jewel: Durres Amphitheater
The moment you walk into the Durres Amphitheater, you’ll understand why this site is considered Albania’s most important Roman monument. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, this massive structure once held up to 20,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiatorial contests and theatrical performances.
What Makes This Amphitheater Special
This isn’t just another Roman ruin – it’s the largest amphitheater ever built in the Balkans. Walking through the ancient corridors and standing in the arena where gladiators once fought, you get a real sense of the spectacle and drama that unfolded here nearly 2,000 years ago.
What’s particularly fascinating is how the amphitheater was lost to history and only rediscovered by accident in 1966 during construction work. For centuries, the local community had built homes and businesses right on top of it, completely unaware of the ancient marvel beneath their feet.
The Mosaics and Underground Chambers
One of the most remarkable features is the series of Byzantine mosaics that were added later when part of the amphitheater was converted into a chapel. These intricate floor mosaics show religious scenes and are surprisingly well-preserved, offering a glimpse into how this ancient space was adapted over the centuries.
The underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals were kept before contests are still accessible. It’s a bit eerie walking through these spaces, thinking about the warriors who waited here, knowing they might not survive the day.
Practical Info: The amphitheater is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Entry costs 300 Albanian Lek (about €2.50) for adults, with discounts for students. Plan to spend about an hour here, though history enthusiasts often stay much longer.
Archaeological Museum: 2,000 Years in One Building
The Durres Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Albania, and it’s absolutely worth the visit. What makes this museum special is how it tells the complete story of this region, from the ancient Illyrian tribes through Roman occupation, Byzantine rule, and Ottoman times.
Highlights You Can’t Miss
The Venus Collection is extraordinary – dozens of miniature busts of Venus, who was apparently the most worshipped goddess in ancient Durres. These detailed sculptures show the incredible skill of local artisans and give insight into the religious life of the ancient city.
The Roman Sarcophagi are massive stone coffins with intricate carvings that tell stories of the wealthy families who could afford such elaborate burials. Each one is like reading a stone book about ancient family life and beliefs.
Perhaps most moving are the everyday objects – ancient jewelry, household items, and children’s toys that make the ancient residents of this city feel real and relatable.
Museum Tip
The museum has its own fascinating story. It was severely damaged during the 1997 civil unrest in Albania when much of the collection was looted or destroyed. The recent renovation has restored it beautifully, and seeing it today is a testament to Albania’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
Byzantine Forum: The Heart of Ancient Life
Often overlooked by visitors rushing to the amphitheater, the Byzantine Forum in the center of Durres is where you can really imagine daily life in the ancient city. Built between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, this circular paved area surrounded by Corinthian columns was the commercial and social heart of Byzantine Durres.
Standing Where History Happened
The forum’s central well still exists, and you can stand exactly where merchants, officials, and ordinary citizens gathered over 1,200 years ago to conduct business, share news, and participate in public life. The marble paving stones under your feet are the same ones worn smooth by countless ancient footsteps.
What’s remarkable is how this space demonstrates the continuity of urban life. People have been gathering in this exact spot for over a millennium, and walking through it connects you directly to that long chain of human activity.
Religious Heritage: Mosques and Churches
Durres’ religious architecture tells the story of Albania’s complex spiritual history, shaped by Roman Christianity, Orthodox traditions, and Ottoman Islam.
The Great Mosque
Built in 1931 by King Zog I on the site of an earlier Ottoman mosque, the Great Mosque represents Albania’s Islamic heritage. What makes its story particularly interesting is what happened during the communist era – its minaret was destroyed in 1967, and the building was converted for secular use.
Today, the mosque has been restored and is active again, representing Albania’s return to religious freedom after decades of enforced atheism. The architecture is understated but elegant, and visitors are welcome outside of prayer times.
Fatih Mosque: The Survivor
The Fatih Mosque, dating to 1503, is much older and tells a different story. Built in the early decades of Ottoman rule, this smaller mosque somehow survived the communist period and was even declared a cultural monument in the 1970s.
Standing inside this 500-year-old building, you’re in one of the oldest continuously used religious structures in the region. The simple but beautiful interior reflects the Islamic architectural traditions brought by the Ottomans.
The Venetian Tower: Medieval Fortifications
The Venetian Tower is all that remains of Durres’ medieval fortifications, but it’s worth the climb for both the history and the views. Built in the 15th century when Durres was under Venetian control, this tower was part of a larger defensive system designed to protect the crucial port.
Views and Perspective
From the top of the tower (when it’s open), you get spectacular views over the modern city and can clearly see how Durres’ strategic location made it so valuable throughout history. The harbor below has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years – one of the longest-operating ports in the Mediterranean.
Royal Villa: Monarchy and Modern History
The derelict Royal Villa on a hill overlooking Durres offers a fascinating glimpse into more recent Albanian history. Built in 1937 for King Zog I (Albania’s only king), this building represents the brief period when Albania tried to modernize as a European monarchy.
King Zog only got to enjoy the villa for about a year before fleeing the country ahead of the Italian invasion in 1939. Today, the building stands empty, but it’s a powerful reminder of Albania’s tumultuous 20th-century history.
Practical Guide for History Explorers
Planning Your Historical Tour
Half-Day Option: Amphitheater + Archaeological Museum + Byzantine Forum (3-4 hours) Full-Day Option: Add the mosques, Venetian Tower, and a walk through the old city center (6-8 hours)
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (9-11 AM) is ideal for the outdoor sites like the amphitheater and forum, especially in summer. The museum is perfect for midday when it’s too hot to be outside.
Late afternoon light is beautiful for photography, especially at the amphitheater and Venetian Tower.
Transportation from Hotel 6 Marsi
By Car: 15-minute drive with easy parking near most sites By Bus: Regular local buses run between Golem and Durres throughout the day By Taxi: About 1,500 Albanian Lek (€12) each way
Combining History with Beach Time
Many guests start their day exploring Durres’ historical sites, then spend the afternoon relaxing on Durres Beach or returning to Golem for some pool time. It’s the perfect combination of cultural enrichment and relaxation.
Why This History Matters
What makes Durres so fascinating is how its history connects directly to the broader story of European civilization. This city has been continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years, serving as a crucial link between the Mediterranean world and the Balkan interior.
Standing in the amphitheater, you’re in a place where Roman engineering met local Illyrian traditions. Walking through the Byzantine forum, you’re experiencing the transition from ancient to medieval Europe. Visiting the mosques and churches, you’re seeing how different religious traditions have coexisted in this uniquely positioned corner of Europe.
The Human Connection
Perhaps what’s most moving about exploring Durres is recognizing the human continuity. People have been living, working, worshipping, and entertaining themselves in this exact location for millennia. The amphitheater audiences cheering gladiators, Byzantine merchants haggling in the forum, Ottoman worshippers in the mosques, and modern Albanian families enjoying the beach – they’re all part of the same ongoing human story.
When you’re staying in Golem, you’re not just visiting a beach destination. You’re positioned at the heart of one of Europe’s most historically rich regions, where every walk through the city center is a journey through time.
Making the Most of Your Visit
From Hotel 6 Marsi, Durres’ historical treasures are incredibly accessible. You can easily combine a morning of ancient history with an afternoon of modern relaxation. Our reception team is always happy to provide current information about opening hours, arrange transportation, or recommend the best local restaurants for lunch between historical sites.
This region offers something truly special – the chance to walk through genuine ancient sites while staying in comfortable, modern accommodations just minutes away. It’s the perfect balance of cultural exploration and vacation relaxation that makes Albania such an remarkable destination.
Interested in exploring Durres’ historical sites? Our team at Hotel 6 Marsi can provide maps, current opening hours, and transportation recommendations. We love helping our guests discover the incredible history right in our backyard.
