Byzantine Forum (Durrës), Durres Travel Guide

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Explore the ruins of Durrës' Byzantine Forum, a historical marketplace and civic center dating back to the 6th century.

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Byzantine Forum (Durrës)

The Byzantine Forum in Durrës, Albania, unveils the remnants of a 6th-century marketplace and civic center, offering a glimpse into the city's rich Byzantine past. Though partially ruined, the site's Corinthian columns and ancient foundations evoke its former grandeur.

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).

Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Durrës Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum to get a broader picture of the city's history.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the ruins.
Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, as the forum is an uncovered site.

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Getting There

Walking

The Byzantine Forum is centrally located in Durrës, near the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre and the Grand Mosque. From the Durrës city center, walk along Rruga Aleksander Goga. The forum will be on your right. The walk is generally short and straightforward.
Public Transport

Durrës has an extensive bus system. Look for a local bus that stops near the city center or the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the Forum. A single bus fare costs around 40 lek.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Durrës. Ask the driver to take you to the Byzantine Forum near the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre. A short taxi ride within the city center should cost approximately 300-500 lek. Confirm the fare before starting your trip.

Discover more about Byzantine Forum (Durrës)

Located in the heart of Durrës, the Byzantine Forum stands as a testament to the city's layered history, connecting its late antiquity with the Middle Ages. Constructed in the late 6th century during the reign of Roman Emperor Anastasios, the forum served as the Byzantine center of the ancient city of Dyrrhachium, now Durrës.Once a bustling marketplace and a hub for social, cultural, and political activities, the forum occupied a central position among the city's prominent public and religious structures. The circular paved area, spanning approximately 40 meters in diameter, features a podium and a well at its center, surrounded by Corinthian columns. Originally, there were around 40 columns, but only a few remain standing today. Archaeological excavations have revealed that taverns and workshops for glassware production and trade once thrived here. The forum also houses the remains of Roman thermal baths discovered in the 1960s.While many travelers visit the Durrës Amphitheatre, the Byzantine Forum offers a less crowded, more intimate experience. Its location near the Great Mosque and the opera house keeps it central to Durrës's modern city life.