The Coast
The important port of Durres is the second largest city in Albania with the second largest concentration of industry. The city was colonised by the Greeks in 627 BC and was named Epidamnos, later becoming Dyrrachium under the Romans. From the Venetian Tower at the harbour, the medieval Town Wall leads to the Amphitheatre dating back to the second century BC and containing an early Christian crypt with a rare wall mosaic. There is also an excellent Archaeological Museum. Between the first and third centuries, Durres was an important port and trading centre on the Via Egnatia trading route between Rome and Byzantium (Istanbul). Following a number of earthquakes, much of ancient Durres sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently built over. Today the city is best known for the nearby beach resort of Durres Plazh.
In Roman times, Apollonia, located 12km (7.5 miles) from the city of Fier, was a large, prosperous city at the mouth of the river Vjosa where there is still much left to be excavated. The amphitheatre, a colonnade of shops and several other parts of the Roman city centre are open to the public. There are monuments of Agonothetes and Odeon, as well as an ancient portico and the Mosaic House with a fountain. Unfortunately, some of the statues and other portable objects were removed before 1946 and sent to other countries. Those remaining have been placed in the well-organised museum which is to be found on the site of a 13th-century monastery. In the courtyard of the monastery is a Byzantine-style church, the Church of St Mary, believed to have been built in the 14th century. Not far from Apollonia, on the route to Durres, is the Monastery of Ardenica.
Vlora is not only a major port, but of great historical importance, for it was here in 1912 that the Assembly was convened which first proclaimed Albania an independent state and set up the first national government, headed by Ismail Qemali. In recognition of this, it was proclaimed a ’Hero City’ in 1962. The Muradiye Mosque (1538-42) was designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan whose family originated in Albania. On a hill above the city is the tourist centre Liria which offers panoramic views of the beach and town.
Albania’s southern coastline remains completely unspoilt. Situated opposite Corfu, Saranda is now much visited by day trippers who come to enjoy this previously inaccessible resort.
The ancient town of Butrint was once an important centre for the Illyrian tribes. It has been known as a settlement since 1000 BC and has belonged to both the Greek and Roman empires during its long history, leaving a rich legacy. Several sites dating from the first and fourth centuries AD can now be visited, among them a theatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Nypheum, the Lion Gate, the Dionysus Altar, Roman houses and baths. The Baptistry, with a floor of colourful mosaics, is not to be missed. The nearby tourist site of Ksamil offers magnificent views of Butrint Lake, the islands and citrus- and olive-tree plantations.
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