Amphitheatre of Durrës Archaeological Site

Address: Amphitheatre of Durrës, Durrës, Albania

Hours: Daily 9:00am-7:00pm (seasonal; check local listings)

Admission: ~200 ALL (~$2) for adults (approximate)

The Amphitheatre of Durrës is an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the city of Durrës on Albania’s Adriatic coast, constructed in the Roman Imperial period, broadly dated to the 2nd century AD. It is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the region and a prominent archaeological landmark in the city.

The site presents a partially exposed elliptical arena and surviving sections of seating tiers and corridors. Visitors can walk around the outer rim and view the arena and remaining masonry, with visible signs of later reuse and adaptation within the urban fabric.

Built in the Roman period for public spectacles such as gladiatorial games and gatherings, the amphitheatre later suffered partial burial and was re-used in Byzantine and later periods before being rediscovered and excavated in the 20th century. Excavations have revealed the arena, seating structure and associated urban deposits.

It is located in the centre of modern Durrës on the Adriatic coast, within walking distance of the city seafront and port area.

• Best time to visit: Best visited outside the peak summer heat; early morning or late afternoon light gives clearer views of the interior arena and masonry.

What to See#

• Arena and seating: The central arena area and seating tiers where the performance area and audience stands are clearly visible from street level in Durrës.
• Peripheral structures and remains: Surrounding archaeological remains including parts of the outer walls, corridors and adjacent archaeological layers exposed during excavations.

The amphitheatre is in central Durrës, a short walk (5-15 minutes) from the city’s main promenade and port. Regular buses and minibuses run from Tirana (about 30-45 minutes by road); taxis from Tirana to Durrës take roughly 40 minutes depending on traffic.

• Arrive early (before 9:30am) to experience the amphitheatre with cooler light and fewer tour groups.
• Don't miss the small archaeological displays in the adjacent museum area where mosaics and amphorae are kept.
• Climb the worn tiers carefully - the stone is ancient and uneven; good footwear helps.