Durres: The Timeless Port City of Albania

• HelloPërshëndetje
  [puhr-shuhn-deht-yeh]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [mee-roo-pahf-shihm]
• YesPo
  [poh]
• NoJo
  [yoh]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loot-ehm]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fah-leh-meen-deh-reet]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh fahl-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see yeh-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [mee-reh. dhe yoo]
• Do you speak English?Flisni anglisht?
  [flees-nee ahn-gleesht]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koop-toy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDua të shoh menunë, ju lutem
  [doo-ah tuh shoh meh-noo-neh, yoo loot-ehm]
• I don't eat meatUnë nuk ha mish
  [oo-neh nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [geh-zoo-ahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDua të paguaj, ju lutem
  [doo-ah tuh pah-gwahy, yoo loot-ehm]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [ndee-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [shkoh lahr-g]
• Call the Police!Thirr policinë!
  [thihr poh-lee-tsee-nuh]
• Call a doctor!Thirr një doktor!
  [thihr nyeh dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostJam humbur
  [yahm hoom-boor]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yahm ee suhm-oo-reh]

• I'd like to buy...Dua të blej...
  [doo-ah tuh bleh]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [poh shee-koy veh-tehm]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah koo-shton]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [kyoh uhshtuh shoo-muh eh shtreh-nyt]
• Can you lower the price?A mund ta ulni çmimin?
  [ah moon-d tah ool-nee chmee-meen]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah uhshtuh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një ora
  [uhshtuh nyuh oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Njëzet e gjysmë
  [nyuh-zet eh gjoo-smuh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-gyes]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-dee-teh]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [mbruhm-yeh]
• YesterdayDje
  [dyeh]
• TodaySot
  [soht]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-sahr]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [kah-tuhr]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-seh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsh-tuh]
• 7Shtatë
  [shtah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-tuh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nuhn-tuh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [th-yeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/të...?
  [koo uhshtuh nyuh/teh]
• What's the address?Cila është adresa?
  [chee-lah uhshtuh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moon-d tuh muh troh-ny, nuh hahr-tuh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi tjetër?
  [koor uhshtuh ah-oo-toh-boo-see tyeh-tehr]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-tuh, nuh]

Durres, originally known as Epidamnos, was founded by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corcyra in 627 BC. The city quickly became an important trading hub due to its strategic location along the Adriatic Sea. It was known for its thriving commerce and bustling port, which facilitated trade between the Greeks, Illyrians, and other neighboring cultures.

In 229 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans and renamed Durrachium. It became a significant military and naval base, playing a crucial role in Roman campaigns in the Balkans. Durrachium was also the starting point of the Via Egnatia, an essential Roman road that connected the Adriatic coast to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul).

During the Byzantine era, Durres remained a vital center of commerce and culture. The city was fortified with formidable walls to protect against invasions. It attracted scholars, artists, and merchants from across the Byzantine Empire, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry. The city's churches and mosaics from this period are testaments to its historical significance.

In the medieval period, Durres witnessed numerous conflicts and changes in power. It was contested by various empires, including the Bulgarians, Normans, and Byzantines. In 1392, the city came under Venetian control, marking the beginning of a period of relative stability and economic prosperity. The Venetians fortified the city further, leaving behind architectural legacies that can still be seen today.

Durres fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1501, becoming part of their vast realm for over four centuries. During this time, the city underwent significant changes in its architecture, culture, and demographics. The Ottomans built mosques, hammams, and bazaars, transforming Durres into a quintessential Ottoman city. Despite the challenges of the period, the city remained an important regional center.

With Albania's declaration of independence in 1912, Durres played a crucial role in the nation's early history. It briefly served as the capital of Albania and was a focal point for political and military activities. Throughout the 20th century, Durres underwent considerable modernization, developing its infrastructure, expanding its port, and becoming a vital industrial and economic hub in Albania.

In recent decades, Durres has experienced a cultural renaissance, with efforts to preserve and celebrate its rich heritage. The city has become a vibrant tourist destination, attracting visitors with its ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and lively cultural scene. Significant archaeological discoveries, such as the Roman amphitheater and the Venetian tower, have further cemented Durres' status as a city of historical and cultural significance.

Durres is conveniently located along the Adriatic Sea and is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), approximately 33 kilometers away. From Tirana, you can take a taxi or a bus directly to Durres, which usually takes around 30-45 minutes. Ferries are also available from Italian ports such as Bari and Ancona, providing an alternative way to reach Durres by sea.

In Durres, taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby towns and villages. For a more local experience, consider taking a minibus (furgon), which is a popular mode of transport among locals. Renting a car can also be a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Walking is another viable option for getting around the city, as many attractions are within close proximity.

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Durres, where you can withdraw local currency. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for day-to-day expenses.

Durres is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places such as markets and public transportation hubs. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Durres has a local police station as well as medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to handle emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly greeting in Albanian, such as 'Mirëdita' (Good day), is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Durres like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Albanian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their city’s history and culture. Don’t miss the Durres Amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum for a deep dive into the city's rich history. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Durres beach promenade, especially in the evening when it comes alive with local families and street vendors.