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Byzantine Forum: Echoes of Ancient Dyrrhachium

Explore the Byzantine Forum in Durrës, where ancient ruins whisper tales of a vibrant past and Albania's rich cultural heritage.

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The Byzantine Forum in Durrës, Albania, unveils the remnants of a 6th-century marketplace, reflecting the city's historical importance as Dyrrhachium. Corinthian columns and ancient thermal bath remains offer a glimpse into Byzantine civic life.

A brief summary to Byzantine Forum (Durrës)

  • 8C8W+3F7, Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës, AL
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven due to the ruins.
  • Visit during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours for a more pleasant experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Durrës Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum to deepen your understanding of the city's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Byzantine Forum is centrally located in Durrës, a short walk from most points in the city center. From the Durrës Amphitheatre, walk northeast along Rruga Anastas Durrsaku, then turn left onto Rruga Aleksander Goga. The Forum will be on your left, near the Town Hall and the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses operate frequently in Durrës. Take any bus that stops near the city center or the Town Hall. From the bus stop, walk along Rruga Aleksander Goga until you reach the Forum. A single bus fare typically costs around 30-40 Lek. Keep an eye out for buses heading towards 'Stacioni i Trenit' (the bus station), as many of these pass through the city center.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Durrës. A short taxi ride from the Durrës Ferry Port or the main beach area to the Byzantine Forum will typically cost between 300-500 Lek. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Byzantine Forum (Durrës)

Located in the heart of Durrës, the Byzantine Forum stands as a testament to the ancient city of Dyrrhachium's vibrant past. Constructed in the late 6th century during the reign of Roman Emperor Anastasios, the forum served as a central hub for commerce, governance, and social interaction. Also known as the Byzantine Market Square (Tregu Bizantin), the site was once a bustling open market complex in Roman times. The forum features a circular paved area, approximately 40 meters in diameter, adorned with Corinthian columns. At its center, a podium and a well once stood, possibly housing a monumental statue. The ruins also incorporate the Roman thermal baths of Durrës, discovered in the 1960s, with a visible hypocaust and shower. Though time and earthquakes have taken their toll, the remaining structures offer a tangible connection to Durrës's rich Byzantine heritage. Today, the Byzantine Forum provides a serene escape amidst the modern city. Visitors can wander through the ruins, imagining the lively atmosphere of this ancient marketplace. Its location near the Great Mosque and the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre underscores its continued importance to Durrës's city life.

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