Durrës Castle: from Byzantine walls to Venetian towers

Durres, located on the Albanian coast of the Adriatic Sea, has been an important strategic, commercial, and cultural center for centuries. Founded as a Greek colony in 627 BC, it soon became a Roman port called Dyrrachium, and was later controlled by Byzantium, Venice, and the Ottomans.

Its strategic position and history have shaped its rich architecture and infrastructure, the most prominent of which is Durres Castle, known in Albanian as Kalaja e Durresit. This landmark embodies the city’s rich past and tells the story of its importance throughout the centuries.

Durrës castle – walls Photo: Adria.fun

Durrës Castle was built somewhat later, more precisely in the 5th century, by order of the Byzantine emperor Anastasius I, a native of this area. It was built to protect the city from naval attacks, and thus, Durres became one of the most fortified cities on the Adriatic. The fort’s massive walls, which are still preserved today, provided an impenetrable defense, and they were additionally strengthened during the Middle Ages.

The Venetians expanded and strengthened the castle in the 13th and 14th centuries, while the Ottomans modernized its fortifications in the 16th century to adapt to the military technology of the time. During its history, it also served as a military garrison and was a key point of defense until the 20th century.

Durrës castle – walls Photo: Adria.fun

Inside the palace walls is the Venetian tower, a circular building with a diameter of 16 meters and a height of 9 meters, which was a guard post and a weapons store. On the hill above the town is the Tower of Anjou, built during the Anjou dynasty in the 13th century, which provided a strategic overview of trade and military routes. The walls are connected to the Roman amphitheater, making Durres a unique historical complex.

Durrës Castle – Venetian Tower, Photo: Adria.fun

In modern times, the castle and towers of Durres attract tourists from all over the world. Today, visitors can explore the towers and walk through the remains of the historic fort with panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Restoration efforts are underway to preserve its historical value.

If you like to explore historical centers, then Durrës is the perfect destination for that.