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The Door of Wishes: A Symbol of Hope in Durrës

Discover the Door of Wishes in Durrës, Albania: a symbol of hope, dreams, and local history on the charming Old Doors Trail.

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The Door of Wishes (Porta e Dëshirave) in Durrës, Albania, is more than just an entrance; it's a symbol of hope and dreams. Built in 1928 after a devastating earthquake, this iron archway is adorned with ribbons and trinkets left by locals and tourists who believe their wishes will come true if they pass through it.

A brief summary to The Door of Wishes (Porta e Dëshirave)

  • 8C7X+XHP, Rruga Enver Zazani, Durrës, AL

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get better photo opportunities.
  • Bring a small ribbon or trinket to leave at the door as a personal touch.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby promenade for a complete Durrës experience.
  • Engage with local vendors for unique souvenirs and insights about the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Door of Wishes is located on Rruga Enver Zazani in Durrës. From the city center, such as Sheshi Liria, walk east along Bulevardi Epidamni. Turn right onto Rruga Enver Zazani. The Door of Wishes will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Durrës has an extensive public transportation system consisting of buses and minibuses (furgons). From the Durrës Bus Terminal, take a local bus or furgon heading towards the city center. Get off near Sheshi Liria and follow the walking directions. The bus fare is around 40 lek (approximately $0.32 USD).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Durrës. A short taxi ride from the Durrës city center to the Door of Wishes will cost approximately 250 ALL base fee, plus 200 ALL per kilometer. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.

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Discover more about The Door of Wishes (Porta e Dëshirave)

The Door of Wishes, known locally as Porta e Dëshirave, is a unique landmark in the coastal city of Durrës, Albania. This isn't just any door; it's an iron archway that serves as the entrance to a house constructed by Ibrahim Subashi in 1928. The door was designed to be anti-seismic, a necessary precaution as the city was recovering from the 1926 earthquake. Its design features a geometric web of spears and hooks, reflecting the popular style of the time. During the communist era, the Subashi residence was confiscated from its owners, but the door remained intact. Museologist Dorina Xheraj-Subashi named it the "Door of Wishes," encouraging locals to hang mementos and express their desires. Today, the door is decorated with ribbons, flowers, and various trinkets, a testament to the hopes and dreams of those who visit. It has become a magnet for tourists and is easily found on Google Maps. The Door of Wishes is part of the Old Doors Trail of Durrës, a project dedicated to preserving the city's historic doors. This trail, consisting of twelve doors, aims to uncover the stories behind these often-overlooked architectural gems. The project seeks to revive cultural life by inviting the community to participate in preserving their heritage. Visiting the Door of Wishes offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and history of Durrës. It's an opportunity to engage with locals and learn about the legends connected to this remarkable landmark.

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