The ancient city of Apollonia was the place where the Roman emperor Augustus studied philosophy!

Apollonia was an ancient Greek colony and former diocese in Illyria, located on the right bank of the river Aous (today’s Vjosa).

Its ruins are located in Albania, in the region of Fier, near the village of Pojani (Polina), only ten kilometers from the Adriatic coast.

Ruins of Apollonia, Photo: Pudelek, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The fascinating landscape of the archaeological park, which has been preserved in an exceptional and untouched state, forms an exciting combination of the beauty of monuments and nature.

According to legend, it was founded in the first half of the 6th century BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth, led by Gilaks, who named the city after him (Gylakeia). Shortly after its foundation, the city changed its name to Apollonia, after the powerful deity Apollo.

Ruins of Apollonia, Photo: Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 4.0

The city flourished during the 4th century AD as an important economic and trade center. Over time, it spread over the entire hilly slope, including an area of approx. 81 hectares, surrounded by a large wall 3 km long and 3 meters wide.

The city’s fame attracted many personalities from the largest empire of the ancient world, such as the prominent Roman philosopher and orator Cicero, and the Roman emperor Augustus, who studied philosophy there.

Ruins of Apollonia, Nymphaeus, Photo: Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 4.0

After a long period of continuous economic and cultural development, Apollonia gradually declined until it was completely abandoned in the Middle Ages.

This archaeological park also contains the Archaeological Museum located in the old monastery of the Church of St. Mary.

Church of St. Mary in Apollonia, Photo: Milosk50, Dreamstime