Venetian Tower of Durrës

The tower stands at the junction of the seafront promenade and the old city fabric – a massive cylindrical stone structure contrasting with a modern pedestrian bridge and waterfront cafés. The approach leads along a surviving section of city wall stretching several dozen metres, with walls up to 12 m high. The masonry shows layers of history: 5th-century Byzantine foundations, 15th-century Venetian additions, Ottoman reinforcements.

Inside, the 2022–2023 restoration created a modern museum centre. The ground level features an exhibition on the history of Durrës from antiquity to the present with multimedia installations. Video projections on the domed ceiling recreate the appearance of the Roman city. VR headsets provide 360° views of ancient Dyrrachium. A spiral staircase built into the thick walls leads to the rooftop – from there, panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline, the port, and the city skyline.

A bar operates on the rooftop with sea views. In the evening, the tower is illuminated and the surrounding area becomes a popular promenade. Around the tower, sections of the ancient city walls are preserved with several original gates and masonry fragments.

Age – Byzantine tower foundation from the 5th century (Emperor Anastasius I), Venetian superstructure from the 15th century

Dimensions – 16 m diameter, 9 m height, walls 3.7 m thick with an internal spiral staircase

Restoration – full €675,000 reconstruction in 2022–2023 under the EU4Culture programme

Multimedia – VR headsets with panoramas of ancient Dyrrachium, dome video projections, audio guides

Panorama – rooftop views of the Adriatic Sea, Port of Durrës, and the city waterfront

Status – Albania's first Heritage Interpretation Centre, Category I cultural monument

The fortification walls of Durrës were erected in the late 5th century under Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I, a native of the city (then called Dyrrachium). The defences were among the most formidable on the western Adriatic coast – according to the 11th-century Byzantine princess Anna Komnene, the walls were so thick that four horsemen could ride abreast on top of them. The tower at the southern corner near the harbour controlled maritime approaches to the city.

In the 15th century, the Venetian Republic, which ruled Durrës (Durazzo) from 1392 to 1501, rebuilt the tower as an artillery position with cannon embrasures. After the Ottoman conquest in 1501, the fortifications were further reinforced. In April 1939, 360 Albanian patriots defended the fortress against the Italian invasion. By the 21st century, the tower had deteriorated significantly. In 2022–2023, a full €675,000 restoration under the EU4Culture programme transformed it into a modern museum and multimedia centre.

From Tirana (34 km, 40–50 minutes):

– Bus – 180–250 ALL (~€2–3 / ~$2–3), every 5–10 minutes from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

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

– Car rental – SH2 highway

Within Durrës:

The tower is on Rruga Anastas Durrsaku, on the waterfront. From Freedom Square (Sheshi Liria) – 5 minutes south on foot. From the amphitheatre – 10 minutes walking. From the bus terminal – 15–20 minutes on foot or 300–500 ALL by taxi.

Season: May–October (tower's operating period). Peak season: July–August.

Time of day: Evening visits (5:00–9:00 PM) – soft light, tower illumination, and drinks at the rooftop bar at sunset.

Duration: 30–45 minutes for the exhibition and rooftop visit.

Avoid: Winter months – the tower is often closed. Peak summer hours may mean queues for the staircase.