Background

Venetian Tower of Durrës: A Coastal Sentinel

Explore the Venetian Tower in Durrës, a historic sentinel offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Albania's rich past.

4.4

The Venetian Tower of Durrës, dating back to the 15th century, stands as a testament to the city's rich history under Venetian rule. Part of the larger Durrës Castle, this circular tower once served as a crucial artillery defense and observation point, protecting the port city from maritime threats. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past with state-of-the-art digital and multimedia tools.

A brief summary to Venetian Tower of Durrës

  • 8C5W+VQ8, Durrës, AL

Local tips

  • Visit during the off-season for a less crowded experience and more personal interaction with the exhibits.
  • Check local events, as the tower and surrounding areas sometimes host cultural festivals.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the tower involves climbing steep, narrow steps.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Vollga Promenade for a taste of Durrës' vibrant seaside atmosphere.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sheshi Liria (Liberty Square) in Durrës city center, head north on Rruga Anastas Durrsaku. The Venetian Tower will be on your left, a short walk from the main square. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at Durrës Bus Station, walk south on Rruga Vangjel Meksi towards the city center. Continue until you reach Sheshi Liria, then follow the walking directions to the tower. A local bus from the bus station to the city center costs approximately 40 ALL. Alternatively, a taxi from the bus station to the tower costs around 250-400 ALL.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Durrës, a taxi to the Venetian Tower is a convenient option. Most drivers will be familiar with the location. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare beforehand. A typical short taxi ride within the city center costs between 250 and 400 ALL.

Unlock the Best of Venetian Tower of Durrës

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Venetian Tower of Durrës

The Venetian Tower of Durrës, locally known as Kulla Veneciane, is a captivating historical defensive structure and a significant part of the Byzantine fortress. Constructed in the 15th century by the Venetian Republic, who ruled Durazzo at the time, the tower replaced an earlier Byzantine structure. Durrës, with its 2500-year history, was known to the Romans as Dyrrachium and to the Venetians as Durazzo, a crucial port on the Adriatic Sea. The tower's circular design, built from solid stone, was strategically chosen to provide all-around defensive coverage. Narrow slits and windows allowed defenders to watch for approaching threats and provided vantage points for defensive fire. The tower was specifically designed to be armed with artillery, serving as a crucial observation point for monitoring the surrounding area. Over the centuries, Durrës faced numerous attacks from various empires, including Romans, Ostrogoths, Bulgars, and Ottomans. The Venetian Tower stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for Albanians, representing a time when Durrës was a crossroads of commerce, culture, and military strategy. In recent years, the Venetian Tower has been revitalized as a Heritage Interpretation Center, offering visitors an immersive experience with VR headsets, audio guides, and multimedia projections. These tools combine entertainment with an in-depth look at the city's ancient history, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

Popular Experiences near Venetian Tower of Durrës

Popular Hotels near Venetian Tower of Durrës

Select Currency