Byllis Archaeological Park, Berat Travel Guide

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Discover Byllis Archaeological Park in Albania: where Illyrian, Roman, and Byzantine history come to life amidst stunning natural beauty and ancient ruins.

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Byllis Archaeological Park

Explore the ruins of Byllis Archaeological Park, a significant ancient city in Southern Illyria. Perched on a hilltop near Hekal, Albania, the park offers stunning views and a glimpse into Illyrian, Roman, and Byzantine history through its well-preserved city walls, theater, and basilicas.

A brief summary to Byllis Archaeological Park

GPRQ+R2W, Hekal, 9300, AL
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Byllis Archaeological Park.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven and requires walking to explore the site.
Bring water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
Consider hiring a local guide to enrich your understanding of the site's historical context.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Don't forget your camera; the views and ruins are incredibly photogenic.

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Getting There

Car

If driving from Vlora, head east on Rruga 28 Nëntori, then turn right onto SH4 and follow it for approximately 15 km. Look for signs for Byllis Archaeological Park and turn left onto the road leading to GPRQ+R2W, Hekal. Continue for 5 km; the park entrance will be on your right. Be prepared for unpaved mountain roads leading to the site. Parking is available near the entrance.
Public Transport

From Vlora's main bus station, take a local bus to Hekal. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From the bus stop in Hekal, you can walk east on the main road (GPRQ+R2W) for about 1.5 kilometers. Alternatively, take a taxi from the bus stop to the park entrance for around 300 ALL.

Discover more about Byllis Archaeological Park

Byllis Archaeological Park, located near Hekal in Albania, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the remnants of a once-thriving ancient city. Founded by the Illyrian tribe of Bylliones in the 4th century BC, Byllis later came under Roman and Byzantine rule, serving as an important center throughout different periods. The city's strategic position on a hill 524 meters above sea level offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Vjosa River valley and the surrounding landscape.Spanning 30 hectares, the archaeological site features impressive ruins, including a theater that once seated 7,500 spectators, a stadium, and the remains of several basilicas adorned with intricate mosaics. The well-preserved city walls, stretching 2,200 meters, stand as a testament to the city's historical and architectural significance. Visitors can explore the foundations of these ancient structures, imagining life in this vibrant urban center.Byllis played a notable role in ancient history, surrendering to Caesar's forces in 49-48 BC and later becoming a Roman colony under Augustus. During the reign of Emperor Justinian, it became an important religious center with several large Palaeo-Christian basilicas constructed. The city was eventually sacked by foreign invaders in 586 AC and abandoned. Today, Byllis Archaeological Park offers a unique opportunity to delve into Albania's rich cultural heritage and appreciate the legacy of the Illyrian, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations.