Durres Amphitheatre
Durres Amphitheatre
3.5
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- Lock_jenniferBuckinghamshire, United Kingdom179 contributionsQuick visitThere is no car park and so parking can be a challenge (we were there in oct and managed to squeeze into a small spot). Entry is 300lek (groups of over 12 200lek each). Takes 20mins to wander around, there is one information sign as you enter. No facilities. Looked like they were trying to reconstruct part of it but is in need of maintenance.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- mel7155Singapore, Singapore1,344 contributionsAnother amphitheater in one of many countless cities left by the Ronan’s .Entrance fee of €3 to see the internal basements and some old chapel was rather decent. The artefacts are intact since very little work has been done by it . You will however get bored after 15 minutes as very little inside .Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 30, 2024
- BiancaFakenham, United Kingdom8 contributionsBit sadGorgeous monument in itself. Ugly fences partially around it. Unkept, no information for tourists. Bit of cleaning up, maintenance and some information boards along the way in the amphitheatre itself would bring it up to it's former glory.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 23, 2024
- bill gNorthumberland, United Kingdom164 contributionsAn Awesome StructureWhat an amazing structure this must have been in 2A.D. Stand in the arena and imagine 20000 people gazing down at you. Unfortunately time and man cause havoc with ancient monuments, but nevertheless one must marvel at the achievements of the Romans. I live near Hadrian's Wall (122A.D.) and I never cease to be in awe of it. CAUTION. The steps are steep and there are no handrails. It could be dangerous for young children and the older person.Visited September 2024Traveled soloWritten September 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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WITY TRAVELS
166 contributions
Feb 2021
The Amphitheater is of Roman origin and was constructed under the reign of Emperor Trajan. He launched many building programs besides this amphitheater, such as the Baths of Trajan, Trajan's Forum and Trajan's Bridge.
This is the largest amphitheater ever built in the Balkans and once held over 15,000 people. 1/3 of this site was excavated in the 1960s and the rest in the 1980s. It was destroyed twice by earthquakes.
You would think there would be room around this amphitheater to keep it safe and protected but that is not the case. There are many houses around it at not too far a distance. It is said that these building efforts have really hurt the long term preservation of the site. In 2013 it was named on of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe.
Inside, there is grass and dirt in the middle with ancient areas in the perimeter. There is a chapel with a well and an open window to the center. There are several galleries which are cave-like areas where animals and other items were held which mostly are empty or have dirt and weeds in them now. A couple areas are fenced off as the steps down are destroyed and it would be too dangerous to allow people to enter.
This is the largest amphitheater ever built in the Balkans and once held over 15,000 people. 1/3 of this site was excavated in the 1960s and the rest in the 1980s. It was destroyed twice by earthquakes.
You would think there would be room around this amphitheater to keep it safe and protected but that is not the case. There are many houses around it at not too far a distance. It is said that these building efforts have really hurt the long term preservation of the site. In 2013 it was named on of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe.
Inside, there is grass and dirt in the middle with ancient areas in the perimeter. There is a chapel with a well and an open window to the center. There are several galleries which are cave-like areas where animals and other items were held which mostly are empty or have dirt and weeds in them now. A couple areas are fenced off as the steps down are destroyed and it would be too dangerous to allow people to enter.
Written February 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R K L
Seattle, WA3,874 contributions
Oct 2019
We found a few attractions of interest in Durres, like the Grand Mosque, Archaeological Musuem, Promenade and Venetian Castle. But particularly impressive for its location, size and age was the Durres Amphitheatre. Having visited amphitheatres and colisuem around the world including that of Rome, we appreciated that what we were touring in Durres was on a different scale. However, the importance which Rome must have attached to Durres and the port was evident from the size of this arena. It dates from the early 2nd century A.D. and is purportedly the largest in the Balkans with a capacity of about a third of Rome's Colosseum. It was fun to be able to explore on our own, wandering the cells and tunnels beneath the stands and taking in some of the surprising surviving mosaics. Apparently, Albania continues to consider further excavation and restoration which would be fantastic.
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,923 contributions
Jun 2022
The amphitheater was built during the reign of emperor Trajan. Most of the site is not excavated but you still see the general lines of the structure. It was built into a hill. It housed around 20,000 spectators. No bones have been found on site, suggesting the likes of lions were not part of any show. It is still under excavation. It was the setting when I visited for some function as a stage and chairs were on the floor of the building.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lock_jennifer
Buckinghamshire, UK179 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
There is no car park and so parking can be a challenge (we were there in oct and managed to squeeze into a small spot).
Entry is 300lek (groups of over 12 200lek each). Takes 20mins to wander around, there is one information sign as you enter. No facilities.
Looked like they were trying to reconstruct part of it but is in need of maintenance.
Entry is 300lek (groups of over 12 200lek each). Takes 20mins to wander around, there is one information sign as you enter. No facilities.
Looked like they were trying to reconstruct part of it but is in need of maintenance.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naija M
Algiers, Algeria1,057 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
This amphitheatre is easy to find as it’s in the centre of Durres and reasonably well signposted. The entry fee was 300 Lek for an adult. I enjoyed a little wonder around. You can pretty much go anywhere. For
me the highlight was the mosaic. Apart from one sign at the entrance I don’t recall seeing any other information signs telling you about the site. I just got the feeling that the place is poorly funded and that the maintenance and care of the site is rather limited.
me the highlight was the mosaic. Apart from one sign at the entrance I don’t recall seeing any other information signs telling you about the site. I just got the feeling that the place is poorly funded and that the maintenance and care of the site is rather limited.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim H
Europe3,986 contributions
Jan 2021
The remains of a 20,000-seat, 2nd-century CE Roman amphitheater built by Emperor Trajan. It's worth the 300 LEK admission. This byzantine era amphitheatre has been partially excavated. Guests are allowed to self- guide themselves around the ruins. Imagine yourself watching gladiators two thousand years ago!!!
Written February 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saltpilgrim
Paros, Greece21,765 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The Roman Amphitheatre of Durrachium, began its life in the 2nd century AD, under Emperor Adrian. It was the largest amphitheater in the Balkans, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people. It was discovered and started to be excavated in the '80s but was abandoned again until the '00s, resulting in the city's modern buildings covering much of the monument. Thus, the modern visitor is not able to enjoy the sight in all its extent. This section, however, which is still visible, gives us a clear picture of its magnificent appearance that would undoubtedly impress the time of its boom.
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Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mel7155
Singapore, Singapore1,344 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Entrance fee of €3 to see the internal basements and some old chapel was rather decent. The artefacts are intact since very little work has been done by it . You will however get bored after 15 minutes as very little inside .
Written April 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francesco Maria Carducci
San Gemini, Italy690 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
The Roman amphitheater of Durres, is a splendid testimony of the Roman past of the city, built in the second century AD.
Discovered in 1966, it is excavated for most of the structure while, a small portion, is still buried. The amphitheater has a width of 113.2 m and a height of 20 m.
Inside, which can be visited by paying a ticket, you can admire the beautiful galleries of the outer ring, well preserved.
Visit not to be missed in Durres.
Discovered in 1966, it is excavated for most of the structure while, a small portion, is still buried. The amphitheater has a width of 113.2 m and a height of 20 m.
Inside, which can be visited by paying a ticket, you can admire the beautiful galleries of the outer ring, well preserved.
Visit not to be missed in Durres.
Automatically translated
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael G
Nora, Sweden17 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Always interesting to see historical buildings. The museum lacked information boards so it was a quick visit in a few basement passages, I can't say that you got any feeling of the wings of history. Could probably be good in the future if you continue with the excavation and in connection with that signpost the different spaces and corridors so you understand what you see.
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Амфитеатр открыт для посещения с 9.00 до 16.00 с понедельника по пятницу. Суббота и воскресенье – выходные дни.
Стоимость входа 200 лек
Written September 1, 2019
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