Durrës Amphitheater, Roman amphitheatre in Durrës, Albania.
Durrës Amphitheater is an elliptical stone structure in Albania that once held around 20,000 spectators during ancient times. The site contains multiple levels with corridors, staircases, and underground chambers that reveal how Roman builders engineered such massive structures.
Emperor Trajan commissioned this structure in the second century to serve as a major venue for public events and spectacles. Over subsequent centuries, it was gradually transformed into a Christian chapel, reflecting the region's religious shift.
A fourth-century Christian chapel sits within the remains, decorated with frescoes and mosaics that show how the site transformed from a place of pagan entertainment to one of religious purpose. This shift reflects how communities across the region adapted spaces to match their changing beliefs.
The site is accessible daily for visitors who wish to explore the preserved corridors, staircases, and underground sections at their own pace. Respect for the ancient structure and any preservation measures in place is important when walking through the remains.
This is the largest preserved Roman amphitheater in the Balkan Peninsula, setting it apart from other remains of this period in the wider region. The scale and preservation offer rare insight into Roman engineering across the eastern territories.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
