Durres

About

Founded by Greek colonists in 627 BC, it's one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Albania. After the Romans took control in 229 BC, they developed it into a major military and naval base. In the 2nd century, they built the city’s massive 20,000 person amphitheatre. The Durres Castle also dates back to the Roman Empire, when Anastasius I made the city into one of the most fortified on the Adriatic. The city thrived for centuries, until it fell under Ottoman control in 1501. For the next 400 years, the city declined, falling into complete anarchy in 1997, when the national economy was devastated by the the collapse of a massive pyramid scheme. Fortunately, the city has recovered since, and offers modern amenities along with its ancient architectural landmarks and the Durres Archaeological Museum is the largest in the country.