Byzantine Forum: Echoes of Ancient Durrës

Located in the center of Durrës, the Byzantine Forum offers a glimpse into the city's rich history as Dyrrhachium. Constructed in the late 6th century during the rule of Roman Emperor Anastasios, the forum was the heart of the city. It served as a bustling center for social, cultural, and political activities. The forum 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 were around 40 columns, though only a few remain standing today. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of taverns and workshops, indicating the area was a lively commercial hub. The remains of Roman thermal baths, discovered in the 1960s, are also located within the forum. While many tourists visit the Durrës Amphitheatre, the Byzantine Forum offers a less crowded, more intimate experience. The forum's location near the Great Mosque and the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre highlights its continued importance in the city's life.