• Durres Castle - By exploring ancient maps, photographs, and locations, visitors will gain insight into the urban neighborhood shaped by diverse cultures, nations, and religions. They will discover the 2nd-century amphitheater, Byzantine, Norman, Venetian, and Ottoman fortifications, as well as the urban planning and architecture from the industrial city era. Additionally, the contemporary urban transition of today will be explored.
• Durres Castle - During the tour, the history of the Venetian Tower in Durrës will be examined, including its construction techniques and similarities to other towers along the Adriatic Sea and beyond. Its historical significance during Ottoman rule, up to its demilitarization in the early stages of World War II, will be discussed. The tower’s use during the communist regime and the last 30 years will also be covered. Visitors will learn about recent renovation works funded by the European Commission, transforming the Tower into a multimedia center showcasing the city’s history. Please note, access to the projection and elevated balcony requires an additional fee, not included in this tour, but entrance to view the interior is included.
• Orthodox Church Of Saint Pavel And Saint Ast Durres - The Church of Saint Paul and Saint Astius, located amidst the bustling streets of Durres, exudes a serene reverence. Visitors will learn about the history of the two saints in Durres, as well as the hidden traces of the former Church of Saint Spiridon, demolished during the communist regime.
• Medieval Bath - The Ottoman Hamam, constructed in the 17th century, is believed to have been either privately owned or part of government-owned buildings along the seaside promenade. It may have been associated with the White Mosque, located 5 meters west of the Hamam, where today’s Bulevardi Epidamn stands. Visitors will discern remnants of the old road to Durres Castle through the building’s traces and learn about the steam and heating techniques used in this structure.
• Bulevardi Epidamn - Along Bulevardi Epidamn, visitors will stroll for 10 minutes, discussing the history and architecture that guided the construction investments of the early residential buildings along this road segment, planned in the first Urban Regulatory Plan of 1928. They will pause at 2 or 3 local spots for refreshments—a coffee, water, burek, ice cream, or orange juice.
• Aleksandër Moisiu Museum - Visitors will become familiar with both traditional Albanian architecture and that of Durres. This house once served as the consulate of England in Durres, the capital after national independence. Today, it awaits necessary investments after the earthquake damages of 2019, which affected the Byzantine tower adjacent to the house. This residence carries the history of one of Durres’s most distinguished international theater artists, Aleksander Moisiu.
• Fatih Mosque - Fatih Mosque is one of the three oldest mosques in the Republic of Albania. Built in 1501, it stands at the base of the Byzantine wall between two outer towers, shielding its minaret from seaside views and potential sea attacks. Its construction followed the same building materials as the Byzantine walls, utilizing supportive sections of the wall to open up the broad ground floor base of the structure.
• Durres Amphitheatre - Visitors will explore the Amphitheater of Durrës, delving into its fascinating history and the coexistence of this urban structure with the city above it. They will learn about its excavation in 1966 by archaeologist Vangjel Toci and the intriguing secrets it revealed. Lastly, they will discover the Government Project aimed at restoring the entire Amphitheater, preserving and highlighting its rich historical layers.
• Kisha e Shën Luçisë - Nestled amidst the winding streets of Durres, the Church of Saint Lucy exudes an aura of timeless grace. Visitors will delve into the history of its construction and encounter key figures in the city’s governance, reflecting on their spiritual significance. They will observe the present condition juxtaposed with the past, notably during the communist era when all religious activities were legally banned.
• Town Square - Sheshi Liria - Plac - Freedom Square, one of the city’s earliest squares, was originally designed as a floral garden in the 1928 First Urban Regulatory Plan. It hosts the Municipality and the Grand Mosque. Visitors will explore its development history from the Ottoman era to pre-World War II and present times. Through this narrative, they will grasp the broad urban morphology of the city, which subsequently extended into the various directions of the once-called Varosh neighborhoods.
• Bashkia Durrës (Durrës City Hall) - Durres City Hall, built in 1931, embodies the Italian aesthetic preferences of its time. Notably, its large central balcony, originally used for public speeches in the square, stands out. Following the 1926 earthquake’s destruction of the clock tower, a new public clock was installed atop the new City Hall building. Today, this structure serves as the hub for essential activities of local governance, reflecting its historical significance and enduring importance in the city’s administrative landscape.
• Xhamia E Madhe E Durresit - Built through investments by local merchants during Italy’s pre-World War II economic dominance in 1939, its closure and alteration under the communist regime, and subsequent restoration post-1990s, have upheld its spiritual significance for residents - as a sign of resistance and integration in Islam. Extensively frequented, it stands as a symbol of resilience, reflecting Durres’s enduring cultural fabric amidst shifting socio-political tides.
• “Aleksandër Moisiu” Theatre - The Palace of Culture in Durres marks the starting point of the Downtown thematic tour, named after the esteemed native artist, Aleksander Moisiu. Erected in 1960, it stands as the Republic of Albania’s inaugural structure of its kind. Here, visitors will delve into the distinct characteristics of Albanian architecture from the 1960s, discerning its influence not only within the city but also across Albania’s landscape.
• Rotonda, Forumi Bizantin - Discovered by archaeologist Vangjel Toci, the Byzantine forum stands as a priceless gem among Durres’s archaeological discoveries. This urban relic serves as a vital link, enabling visitors to trace and interpret the city’s developmental transition from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages. Visitors to this site will gain insight into these urban treasures and explore the artifacts showcased within this open forum, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life of the Byzantine period.

• Printed Historical Maps

Anyone who chooses to explore and visit the city of Durrës with me will be immersed in a narrative intertwined with academic, historical, and social knowledge of the city.

This means that together, we will engage in structured discussions about the city’s construction, drawing from insights in urban planning and architecture. You will receive an important list of international bibliographic resources to deepen your research.

We will uncover the city’s historical and political transitions that have significantly shaped its landscape. Through these narratives, you will develop the knowledge and empathy needed to comprehend the social and cultural dynamics of Durrës’ inhabitants.

Together, we will explore a range of city-related information that will familiarize you with its layout and its significance as your birthplace – collaboratively crafting, for you, a new sense of hometown

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.