Byzantine Forum: Echoes of Ancient Durrës

The Byzantine Forum of Durrës, also known as the Byzantine Market Square (Tregu Bizantin), stands as a testament to the city's rich history, transporting visitors back to the late Roman and early Byzantine periods. Built in the late 6th century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Anastasios, this archaeological site was once the heart of the ancient city of Dyrrhachium or Dyrrah. Located in the center of modern Durrës, the forum would have occupied a central position in relation to the other large public and religious constructions of the Byzantine era. The site features a circular paved area approximately 40 meters in diameter, with a podium and a well at its center, surrounded by Corinthian columns. Originally, there would have been 40 columns, but only a few are still standing. The rotunda within the forum, measuring almost six meters in diameter, may have once housed a monumental statue. Historical sources suggest that the Byzantine Forum was a vibrant space where social, cultural, and political activities were organized. Archaeological expeditions have revealed evidence of taverns serving food and workshops for the production and trade of glassware. The forum bears a strong resemblance to Constantine's Curved Forum in Constantinople, which was destroyed in 1204. Exploring the Forum offers a unique glimpse into the urban planning and architecture of the Byzantine era, connecting visitors to a significant period in Durrës' past.