 One of Albania's oldest cities, the country's main sea port, the second largest industrial center after Tirana. Durres
lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the Adriatic sea.
The city was colonized by the Greeks in 627 B.C.
It was named Epidamnos, which later became Dyrrachium. From the
Venetian Tower at the harbor the Medieval Town Wall leads to the
amphitheater (capacity 15,000 spectators) dating back to the 2nd
century AD. and containing an early Christian Crypt with a rare wall
mosaic.
Between the 1st and 3rd centuries Durres was an important port and
trading center on the Via Egnatia trading route between Rome and
Byzantium (Istanbul). After a great number of earthquakes, much of
ancient Durrës sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently
built over.
Today the city is well known for the nearby beach resort of Durres
Plazh, its wonderful sand and warm sea water.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 20 March 2005 )
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Durresi 
