Epidamnos, Ancient Greek archaeological site in Durrës, Albania
Epidamnos is an ancient Greek city whose remains lie buried beneath modern Durrës. Remnants of homes, harbor structures, and temples are partially excavated and can be seen in the city's archaeological museums.
The city was founded in 627 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Kerkyra and grew into a major port. Its importance as a trade center later brought it into regional conflicts among Greek powers.
The name comes from its founders and appears on tombstones and inscribed objects now displayed in museums. Visitors can see through exhibits how residents relied on the sea for trade and daily livelihood.
The archaeological site spreads across the modern city and is not concentrated in one location. Visitors should head to Durrës Archaeological Museum where the main discoveries are gathered together.
The Romans renamed the city to Dyrrachium because they considered the name Epidamnos unlucky. This change shows how much language superstitions mattered in ancient times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
