History lesson in Durres: One of the largest amphitheaters in the Adria region

Durrës is one of the most interesting and oldest cities in Albania, and when we arrived, I decided to visit its famous amphitheater (Alb. Amfiteatri i Durrësit).

It was discovered in 1966, by the scientist Vangjel Toçi, and because of it, part of the houses had to be demolished. The plan of the city of Durres is to remove all the surrounding houses that were subsequently built in the area of the amphitheater.

The Durres amphitheater was built in the 2nd century in ancient Epidamnus or Dyrrachium, during the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan, it is located in the very center of the city and was used for performances until the 4th century when it was significantly damaged in the earthquake and then abandoned.

It had a capacity of 15,000 to 18,000 spectators, and as you can see in the picture, it is still occasionally used for some events.

Amphitheater Durres, Photo: Adria.fun

The amphitheater has an elliptical shape with a diameter of 136 meters and a height of about 20 meters. I was delighted to pass through the underground tunnels, imagining how gladiators came out of them almost 2000 years ago, fighting each other or against wild animals. In addition to gladiator fights, the amphitheater was also used for other events and gatherings.

Once the amphitheater was abandoned, a small Christian chapel decorated with mosaics was built in it. Due to the fence, the details are a little less visible, but it will be enough for the illustration. 🙂

Chapel with mosaic, Photo: Adria.fun

The ticket price is 300 All, 3 euros, so I suggest you spend that amount because it is worth seeing the underground tunnels, although you can see the amphitheater itself from the outside, without entering the fenced area.