Description of the attraction
The Durres Amphitheater, the largest and most important structure of its kind in Albania and the Balkans, was built in the late 1st - early 2nd century, during the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan. It has a special architectural and artistic value and can be compared with the monuments of this period in the cities of Pompeii and Capuas in Italy.
The amphitheater is elliptical with a maximum diameter of 136 meters and a height of about 20 meters. Stone galleries for spectators are faced with white tiles, designed for 16-20 thousand people, the arena was intended for gladiator fights. A public building of typical ancient Roman architecture was built in the center of the city, 350 m from the sea. The base and the arena are located in a horizontal plane at a height of 5.5 m above sea level. Seating places (2/3 of the total area) are located on a hill.
The Durres amphitheater was discovered by scientists in 1966 during one of the international research expeditions in the area. Intensive excavations were carried out in 1967-1970, 55 families had to be relocated and 33 buildings were demolished in order to open the entire ancient building. In 2008, about $ 5 million was invested in the maintenance of the amphitheater.
In order to wander around the ruins of an ancient building, you need to buy tickets at the ticket office at the entrance. There are also stands with images of the history of excavations, variants of the original appearance of the building. Inside, dark tunnels are well preserved, through which the warriors entered the arena to fight. You can sit on the remains of stone benches and appreciate the genius of ancient architecture - from any place you can clearly see the arena and everything that happens on it. There are usually few visitors; educational excursions are held for schoolchildren.
