Amphitheatre of Durrës
Largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkan Peninsula.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The Amphitheatre of Durrës is a Roman amphitheatre located in the centre of the city of Durrës, Albania. Construction began under the emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD, and it is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built in the Balkan Peninsula, once having a capacity of 20,000 people. It was destroyed twice by earthquakes in the 6th and 10th centuries and is included on the tentative list of Albanian UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- location
- Durrës, Albania
- built
- 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan
- capacity
- 20,000 people
- dimensions
- 132.4 m by 113.2 m (elliptical axes)
- arena_size
- 61.4 m by 42.2 m
- height
- 20 m
- discovered
- 1966
Lore & Background
The amphitheatre was built in the beginning of the 2nd century AD and used for performances until the 4th century AD. An earthquake in 345/346 likely damaged the monument and closed the 'ludii gladiatorii'. An early Christian chapel was constructed in the second half of the 4th century, initially decorated with frescoes; mosaics were added in the 6th century. A medieval chapel was built in the 13th century, also decorated with frescoes. The amphitheatre was covered over in the 16th century after the Ottoman occupation, when a wall was built nearby. Marin Barleti described the monument as 'well constructed'.
Reader's Guide
The Amphitheatre of Durrës is significant as the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkan Peninsula, reflecting the scale and influence of Roman entertainment architecture in the region. Its long history includes transformation into Christian and medieval chapels, showing continuous religious and cultural use. Discovered in 1966, about one third was excavated in the 1960s by Vangjel Toci, and the rest in the 1980s by Lida Miraj. After excavation, the site deteriorated due to lack of conservation until the 2000s; restoration began in 2004 by the University of Parma. The amphitheatre now functions as a museum and stage for the International Film Summerfest of Durrës. It faces threats from urban development, structural deficiencies, and decay of its mosaics and paintings. In 2013, Europa Nostra shortlisted it as one of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe.
Did You Know?
- The amphitheatre was destroyed twice by earthquakes, in the 6th and 10th centuries.
- It was discovered in late 1966 and excavated in stages through the 1980s.
- An early Christian chapel with mosaics was built inside the amphitheatre in the 4th century.
- In 2013, Europa Nostra listed it among the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amphitheatre of Durrës?
It is a Roman-era elliptical amphitheatre sitting in the heart of Durrës, Albania. Construction was commissioned under Emperor Trajan during the 2nd century AD, and its two axes stretch roughly 132 by 113 metres.
What are Amphitheatre of Durrës's powers/role?
At its peak the structure could hold approximately 20,000 spectators for gladiatorial games and public spectacles. The central arena floor spans about 61 by 42 metres, while the outer walls rose to a height of 20 metres.
How does Amphitheatre of Durrës's story end?
Two devastating earthquakes—striking in the 6th and again in the 10th century—brought the once-complete structure down to the fragmentary remains visible today. It no longer serves as a functioning venue but endures as an open-air archaeological site.
Why is Amphitheatre of Durrës important?
It holds the distinction of being the largest Roman amphitheatre ever erected on the Balkan Peninsula. Albania has included it on its UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, signalling the nation's intention to pursue a full nomination.
Where can I find Amphitheatre of Durrës?
The ruins are embedded directly in the centre of Durrës, Albania, rather than set apart in a remote park. Visitors can walk among the surviving walls amid the surrounding modern streets of the coastal city.
More in World Heritage Tentative List 1-24
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