Durrës 7-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Shen Lucia Catholic Church

   Built in 1907, this is one of the main Catholic churches in Durrës. It has simple Western-style architecture combined with local Albanian elements and remains an important place for Catholic worship, community gatherings, Christmas, Easter and other religious celebrations.

2. Stop 2

   Shen Gjergji Orthodox Church

   Built in the 19th century and closely connected to the Orthodox Christian community of Durrës. The building contains Byzantine architectural features, including traditional domes and icons. Inside, visitors can see religious paintings and decorative iconography, making it useful both for worshippers and for travellers interested in the city’s religious history.

3. Stop 3

   Saint Asti and Saint Paul Orthodox Church

   The main Orthodox cathedral of Durrës. Built in 2001 after the revival of religious life in Albania following communism, it is considered one of the largest modern Orthodox churches in the country. It has a large central dome, Byzantine-style frescoes and is named after Saint Paul and Saint Asti, the first Christian martyr associated with Durrës. It is used for major religious ceremonies and official Orthodox Church events.

4. Stop 4 · 4 min walk

   Fatih Mosque

   Built in 1503 during the Ottoman period and named after Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, known as Fatih. It is one of the oldest mosques in Albania. The mosque has suffered damage from earthquakes and wars but has been restored several times, and its minaret and design represent classical Ottoman religious architecture.

5. Stop 5 · 4 min walk

   Great Mosque of Durrës

   Known locally as the Great Mosque. Built in 1937, it is sometimes called the New Mosque because it was constructed later than the older Ottoman mosques. It is one of the main Islamic religious centres in the city, with a large prayer hall and modern Islamic architecture. During Islamic holidays such as Eid, it becomes an important gathering place for worshippers.

Eat · SAF - Gatime tradicionale: Very traditional lunch menu. Every day they will have cooked something new and fresh. Prices are more than decent and food is delicious.

1. Stop 1

   Durrës Amphitheatre

   The largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans and the best-known ancient monument in Durrës. It includes restored iconography, underground passages below the seating area and a central grassy arena. It is one of the most important places for understanding the Roman layer of ancient Dyrrhachium.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Durrës Ancient City Wall

   Surviving sections of the ancient and medieval walls of Durrës, close to the amphitheatre and old city centre. Around the walls are other historic features, including the Medieval Hammam and the Tophane Well.

3. Stop 3 · 5 min walk

   Venetian Tower

   Circular defensive tower in the city centre, built in the 16th century and associated with the Venetian fortifications of Durrës. Visitors can climb steep stairs to the top and see a multimedia presentation projected inside the dome.

4. Stop 4 · 67 min walk

   Shen Mehilli Hill

   Hill and archaeological area associated with the early Christian Basilica of Saint Michael, a 5th- or 6th-century site with mosaic remains. The area is also linked with the 1081 battle between Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Norman leader Robert Guiscard.

5. Stop 5 · 70 min walk

   Byzantine Forum

   Built in the 5th century AD, the Byzantine Forum, also known as the Macellum, preserves remains of the ancient public space of the city. Public baths are around and beneath the Alexander Moissi Palace of Culture area.

Eat · Sema: Sema is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Archaeological Museum

   The main archaeological museum of Durrës, normally focused on finds from ancient Dyrrhachium and the surrounding region. It is temporarily closed until sometime in 2026, so check locally before planning a visit.

2. Stop 2 · 233 min walk

   Popular Culture Museum

   Small local museum connected with traditional culture and daily life in the Durrës region. It may be useful for visitors interested in rural customs, folk objects and local heritage, but opening times should be checked locally.

3. Stop 3 · 240 min walk

   World War II Relics Hall

   Small collection or hall connected with World War II memory in Durrës. Verify access and opening times locally, as information may be limited.

4. Stop 4

   Koloseo Art Gallery

   Gallery showcasing work by local painters and artists. Useful for visitors who want to see contemporary visual art in Durrës beyond the archaeological and historic sights.

Eat · Rehat Kebab: Rehat Kebab is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   King Zog's Villa

   Former royal summer residence of King Zog, completed in 1937. It stands on a hill above Durrës and is known for its views over the bay, Italian Rationalist architecture and role in Albania's royal and 20th-century political history. The building has been damaged and interior access may be restricted, but the walk up is worthwhile for the façade and panorama.

2. Stop 2 · 10 min walk

   Aleksandër Moisiu House-Museum

   Rare surviving 19th-century urban house in Durrës, associated with actor Aleksandër Moisiu. It has functioned as a house-museum and ethnographic museum, with displays on local daily life, folk clothing, household objects and Moisiu's life and career.

3. Stop 3 · 4 min walk

   Old Doors Trail

   Heritage walking route through old Durrës focused on historic doors, family houses, courtyards and urban memory. Stops include old family houses and historic residences such as Villa Tedeschini, as well as streets around the older parts of the city.

Eat · Mema House: Mema House is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Municipality

   Municipal building on Sheshi Liria, one of the main civic spaces of central Durrës. It is useful as a landmark when navigating between the mosque, amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and old city streets.

2. Stop 2 · 96 min walk

   Kavaja Rock

   Historic landmark in Golem where caravans once passed along the ancient Via Egnatia. It is traditionally linked with a battle between Pompey and Julius Caesar and is also a useful coastal landmark south of Durrës.

Eat · Piceri Belvedere: Piceri Belvedere is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Tirana

   Listed as a next stop from Durrës. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

   Kruje

   Listed as a next stop from Durrës. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

   Lezhe

   Listed as a next stop from Durrës. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.

1. Stop 1

   Culture Palace

   Culture Palace is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

2. Stop 2

   Evening walk

   Go for an evening walk along the sea front promenade or along the beach.

3. Stop 3

   Villa Hill

   Panoramic view of Durrës seaside at Currilat from top of a newly reclaimed hill.

4. Stop 4

   Seaside Large Steps

   Sit and admire the sea from up close on these large steps descending into the water

Eat · Go back to a place that already worked.