Byzantine Forum of Durrës

The forum sits wedged between Soviet-era apartment blocks and the Palace of Culture – the contrast between 6th-century columns and 20th-century concrete facades creates a visual effect characteristic of Durrës. The circular platform is paved with stone slabs. At the centre stand a podium and a well on a marble base. Originally, 40 Corinthian columns encircled the forum; only a few survive, some with lintels intact. The design resembles Constantine's Curved Forum in Constantinople, destroyed in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade.

Archaeological work in the 1960s uncovered Roman thermal baths on the forum grounds – a preserved hypocaust measuring 5 × 7 metres and a shower area. Excavations also revealed that the forum functioned as a marketplace with taverns and glassware workshops, indicating active commercial life.

The site is enclosed by a metal fence. Access inside is typically locked. Viewing is through the railing, which provides a clear view of the columns and central area. An information board in English stands by the fence. The monument's condition is fair – signs of neglect are visible, but the columns and paving are intact.

Age – late 6th century, reign of Emperor Anastasius I (491–518)

Dimensions – circular paved platform 40 m in diameter with a podium and well at the centre

Columns – originally 40 Corinthian columns around the perimeter, several survive with lintels

Parallel – the design resembles Constantine's Curved Forum in Constantinople (destroyed in 1204)

Roman baths – a 5 × 7 m hypocaust and shower remains discovered on-site

Archaeology – tavern and glassware workshop remnants found, indicating the forum's commercial role

The forum was built in the late 6th century under Emperor Anastasius I, a native of Durrës (then Dyrrachium), simultaneously with the reinforcement of city walls and the harbour. Dyrrachium was a key port on the Via Egnatia and one of the largest cities in the late-Roman Balkan provinces. The forum served as the centre of commercial and public life – hosting markets, taverns, craft workshops, and government offices. The circular paved design with a colonnade reflects the city's status.

After the decline of Byzantium, the forum fell into disrepair. Successive conquests by Normans, Crusaders, Venetians, and Ottomans, along with earthquakes, gradually destroyed the structure. By the 20th century, the remains were hemmed in by residential buildings. Excavations in the 1960s revealed the thermal baths and colonnade fragments. The site is currently protected as a monument, though no major restoration has been carried out. Part of the ruins lies beneath the Palace of Culture and adjacent buildings.

From Tirana (34 km, 40–50 minutes):

– Bus – 180–250 ALL (~€2–3 / ~$2–3), every 5–10 minutes

– Taxi – 2,200–3,000 ALL (~€20–25 / ~$22–27)

Within Durrës:

The forum is on Bukuroshja e Durrësit street (Rruga Aleksander Goga), 200 m north of the amphitheatre. From Freedom Square – 5 minutes north on foot. From the bus terminal – 10 minutes walking through the centre.

Season: Year-round – open-air site, viewable from the street.

Time of day: Morning or late afternoon for the best photography light. The columns look particularly striking in golden-hour light.

Duration: 10–15 minutes. Easy to include in a walking route through Durrës' historic centre.

Avoid: No specific restrictions. The adjacent sidewalk can be slippery in rain.