Durres is the most ancient and one of the most economically important cities of Albania. It's located on the central coast about 20 miles west of the capital Tirana, at one of the narrower points of the Adriatic Sea. The city was founded as Epidamnos in 627 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu. Its geographical position was highly advantageous, being sited around a natural rocky harbour which was surrounded by inland swamps and high cliffs on the seaward side, making the city very difficult to attack from either land or sea. Epidamnos was noted for being a politically advanced society, prompting the ancient philosopher Aristotle to praise its political system. However, Corinth and Corfu quarrelled over the city, helping to precipitate the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC. Today Durres is an important link to Western Europe due to its port and its proximity to the Italian port cities, notably Bari.

	Country:	Albania
	Location:	West
	Country Code:	+355
	Population:	114,000
	Language:	Albanian
	Currency:	Lek (ALL)
	Time Zone:	GMT+1
	Train Station:	Durres Station
	Tourism:	Durres Tourism

By Bus Bus is the main form of transport within Albania. The main routes from Shkodra, Korça, Saranda, Gjirokastra, Peshkopia and Durres to Tirana are operated by private bus companies.

By Train Durres is well connected to other cities in Albania such as the capital Tirana, Shkodra, Elbasan, Pogradec, Fieri, and Vlora.

By Ferry Durres ferry port operates a service to Bari with Azzurra Line. There are 2 crossings weekly with a 9 hour sailing time.

• Fortress of the City
• The Amphitheatre
• The Belle of Durres
• Roman Thermal Baths
• Archaeological Museum

The remains of the walls of the Fortress of the City belong to the 6th century with additions from the 13th and 14th centuries. Over the years wars and earthquakes have destroyed parts of the fortress. The Amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century A.D and has a capacity of 15,000 spectators. Its diameter would have been more than 120 metres. It is one of the biggest and most exquisite monuments that have survived from the ancient city. The Belle of Durres is the most polychromatic mosaic found in the country. The mosaic was discovered beneath a dwelling, in a residential quarter of the town. It is elliptical in shape and measures 17 x 10 feet. The Roman Thermal Baths were discovered in 1962. The baths have a hypocaust or heating system and a pool 23 feet long by 17 feet wide. The Archaeological Museum is situated near the sea. It gives a view on the ancient Dyrrachium. There are many objects excavated in Durres on display in the Museum.