Backpacking in Durres | Albania
Posted: August 15 2020 | Tagged: The Balkans
From Tirana I headed to Durres, a port city on the Adriatic and the 2nd largest city in Albania. One of the oldest in Albania, it was founded by the Greeks and known as Epidamnos. The ruins are in quite a sad state.
Though I hadn't gone to Durres for the Roman ruins, the Venetian Tower, pictured above is pretty neat, nor had I gone for the beaches. Life has changed due to Corona and I have to be somewhere and having things to do such as planning Albania tour packages as I found it quite an agreeable place to base myself.
Remains of a 20,000 seat 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre built by Emperor Trajan:
Remains of a 20,000 seat 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre built by Emperor Trajan:
The Durres Mosque:
Bank of Albania, built in 1925, designed by Italian architects and the Baroque style was used for the first time in Albania. The sculpture represents the struggles, the victories and the prosperity of Albania:
The Byzantine Market:
The Roman baths, 'found' under this modern building:
Venetian Tower - Kulla Veneciane:
Above the town is a lookout point: Kulla e Rojes Kalaja for great late afternoon views:
Newly weds like to come up here to have pictures taken. Kinda weird idea with the port as a backdrop.
And the Vila e Ahmet Zogut:
This villa was King Zog's summer house. He was the founder of modern Albanian state and first King of Albania. Sadly the villa is off limits. Like many historical buildings in Albania, they are deciding what to do with it.
And nearby, the lighthouse, also closed off:
And nearby, the lighthouse, also closed off:
From the Venetian Tower you can stroll with the locals along the Vollga Promenda and up the Rruga Currila. Lots of little beaches, packed with locals and numerous cafes and bars.
The best beaches in Durres are East and South of town in the direction of the Southern bus station. But of course I didn't get to them.
On August 14 there was 'Retro Albania'. An 'Old Timers' vehicle event. There were about 20 classic cars set up in the main square in front of the hostel, @retroalbania :
The best beaches in Durres are East and South of town in the direction of the Southern bus station. But of course I didn't get to them.
On August 14 there was 'Retro Albania'. An 'Old Timers' vehicle event. There were about 20 classic cars set up in the main square in front of the hostel, @retroalbania :
