Introduction
Durrės, the most important port of Albania and its second largest city is situated on the shores of Adriatic Sea. Known also as Durresi and Durazzo (Italian), Durrės is an ancient city that was founded in 7th century BC. Because of its strategic location, many wars were fought between neighbouring nations and empires to rule it. Today, Durrės is a thriving industrial township that presents contrasting images to the visitors.

What to do
Durrės being an ancient city that has remained as the centre of actions for centuries is more than anything else, a cultural destination. The first option that you would be exploring here is to explore the city for sightseeing. Beaches of Durrės gives you ample opportunity for swimming, resting, and enjoying the beautiful combination of sun and sand.

City at a Glance

Latitude 41ŗ19' N Longitude 019ŗ27'E Population 85,000 Language Albanian Religion Islam, Christianity Telephone Code 052

History
Durrės was established in 627 BC by Korintha and Korkyra colonists, the town stands on the site of Illyrian tribe Taulant. At various stages of its history, the settlement was known as Epidamm, Dyrrah, and Dyrrachium from which present name was taken. It became a part of Roman Empire in 229 BC, but its semi-autonomous position remained intact. Trade prospered because of its excellent positioning on the Adriatic Sea, despite the decline of Roman Empire later on. By the end of 14th century, Durrės was the largest city of Albania but situation changed quickly with the coming of Ottomans in 15th century. Most of the residents fled and what remained was just a village. It redeveloped in the 17th century again as a trading centre and port. The city remained in the centre of action during world wars and Albanian struggle for freedom. After independence of Albania, Durrės was developed as an industrial township and today it is the second most important industrial block of Albania after Tirana.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Durrės has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters. It receives heavy rainfall (more than 2000 mm every year) with most of the rain falling between October and March. The best time to visit Durrės like any other place in Mediterranean and specially Albania is August/September when the weather is dry, climate is cool, and lot of greenery around.

Attractions
Roman Amphitheaters and Baths
Oldest, biggest and most exquisite monument in Durrės, the Amphitheater was constructed in the 2nd century BC. A chapel and a cemetery were built upon it in the 10th century AD. In its initial days, the amphitheater had a capacity to fill around 1500 people. Due to regular earthquakes, only one-third of the structure is in condition today. The baths were discovered in the year 1962 when construction for Palace of Culture was going on. The bath had a heating system and a pool.

The Fortress
Only a small portion of this fortress built in 6th century and further added on in 13 – 14th century has survived the earthquakes. In its heydays, it was so large that four horsemen could ride abreast on the top of the fortress.

The Archaeological Museum
The museum situated near the sea has an excellent collection of objects excavated in Durrės. The museum also gives a glimpse of the ancient city of Dyrrachium.

The Archaeological Museum
This is the most colourful mosaic in Albania found under a dwelling in the residential quarter of the city. The mosaic is elliptical in shape with a size of 17 X 10 feet.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS
Most of the festivals that takes place in Durrės are religious in nature like Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Easter, and Nouroz. Most of the Islamic festivals are celebrated on the basis of sighting of different phases of moon. Secular festivals here include New Year Celebrations on January 1, Republic Day on January 11, Independence Day on November 28, and Liberation Day on 29 November.

WHERE TO STAY
Modest hotel and motel accommodations are available on the beach. Hotels in the higher category have steep tariff plans not comparable to the service they provide. The good thing is that most of the leading hotels are in the vicinity or on the beach giving you beautiful views.

WHERE TO EAT
Most of the restaurants in Durrės specializes in Albanian or Italian cuisine. Giardino in Golem is an excellent Italian restaurant. Most of the hotels in Durrės have speciality restaurants giving you the option to combine your accommodation and dining at one place.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel
Durrės do not have any airport. Nearest international airport is Rinas at Tirana at a distance of around one hour from Durrės. Buses and taxis are available from the airport to take you to Durrės.

Land and Water
Durrės is connected to other cities of Albania like capital Tirana, Shkodra, Elbasan, Pogradec, Fieri, and Vlora by rail and roads. Public transport buses are available but they are always crowded, though inexpensive. Road transportation system outside the major town is too bad to write anything and it is better to use rail for intercity transportation.
Regular ferry services connected Durrės with many places in Italy and Greece like Trieste, Vlora, Ancona, Bari, and Otranto.

Local Transport
Local buses and taxis are the most important local transportation modes in Durrės. Remember that Durrės is not so big that you would actually need to use any local transportation. Bicycles can also be taken on rent, but traffic conditions do allow to take this adventure.

Travel Resources
Hospital
Durres General Hospital

Banks
Alpha Bank
"SKENDERBEJ" Street
Durres, Albania
Tel: 00355 52/2 7707
Fax: 27707