Byzantine Forum (Durrës), Durres Travel Guide

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Uncover the ancient past at the Byzantine Forum in Durrës, a captivating archaeological site from the 6th century AD.

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Byzantine Forum (Durrës)

Explore the ruins of the Byzantine Forum in Durrës, a historical marketplace dating back to the 6th century AD. Discover the remains of this once-bustling center of civic life, featuring Corinthian columns and remnants of ancient structures.

A brief summary to Byzantine Forum (Durrës)

8C8W+3F7, Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës, AL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Byzantine Forum (Durrës).

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the site with fewer crowds.
Consider hiring a local guide for an in-depth understanding of the site's historical significance.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and requires some exploration.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Durrës Amphitheatre, head east on Rruga Aleksander Goga. Continue straight for about 10 minutes until you reach the intersection with Rruga Dyrrah. The Byzantine Forum is located on your left-hand side. There are no entrance fees to access the site.
Public Transport

From Durrës Bus Station, take any local bus heading towards the city center. Get off at the stop near the Durrës Amphitheater. From there, walk east for about 10 minutes to Rruga Aleksander Goga. The Byzantine Forum will be located to your left. A single bus fare within Durrës costs approximately 30-40 ALL.
Taxi

From the Durrës city center, a taxi ride to the Byzantine Forum is a short trip. Taxis are readily available. Expect to pay around 300-500 ALL for the ride. Note: Taxi fares have a base fee of 250 ALL, with an additional 200 ALL per kilometer.

Discover more about Byzantine Forum (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.