Villa of King Zog I

The villa sits on a terraced platform with sea views from three sides. Its composition is symmetrical: a central belvedere tower, flanking wings, and a monumental staircase leading to a portico. The façades are clad in pale stone, punctuated by circular windows and arcaded loggias – hallmarks of Italian Rationalism. Seen from above, the building's floor plan reportedly resembles the double-headed eagle, Albania's national symbol.

Before the 1997 looting, interiors featured a ceremonial hall with Corinthian pilasters and a marble floor inlaid with the double-headed eagle, royal apartments, guest rooms, and a study in the belvedere tower. Italian craftsmen supplied chandeliers, carved doors, and silk wall coverings. Today the interiors are severely damaged, but the structure remains sound.

The walk up a winding road through pine trees takes 15–20 minutes from the center. At the top: panoramic views of Durrës Bay, the port, and the Adriatic. The grounds are fenced and the building interior is inaccessible, but the façade and views are open. Popular for photo sessions, especially at sunset.

Elevation – 98 m above sea level, Adriatic panorama from three sides

Architecture – Italian Rationalist design by architect Kristo Sotiri (graduate of Padua and Venice universities)

Cost – construction cost 1.5 million gold francs (≈ €40 million in 2025 terms)

History – hosted Khrushchev, Carter, and other world leaders during the communist era

Floor plan – reportedly resembles the double-headed eagle, Albania's national symbol, from above

The idea for a residence in Durrës emerged in the mid-1920s when Ahmet Zogu became president of Albania. Construction was financed by a 1925 Italian state loan. Architect Kristo Sotiri's initial 1926–1927 design was damaged in the 1927 earthquake. Work resumed and finished in 1937, months before the king's wedding to Hungarian Countess Geraldine Apponyi. The villa served as a summer retreat and venue for royal receptions. After the Italian invasion in April 1939, Zog fled into exile and the villa was seized by occupation authorities.

Under the communist regime, the villa became a state guesthouse, hosting Nikita Khrushchev, Jimmy Carter, and other leaders. During the 1997 civil unrest, the building was looted and ransacked. In 2007, the property was returned to the heir, Crown Prince Leka I, but comprehensive restoration did not follow. In June 2025, entrepreneur Kadri Morina announced a plan to restore the villa to its original 1939 appearance within five years.

From Tirana (38 km, 35–45 min):

– Bus to Durrës – 200 ALL (≈ €2 / $2.50), then 15–20 min walk uphill

– Taxi from Tirana directly to the villa – 2,500–3,000 ALL (≈ €23–28 / $25–30)

– Car rental – winding road approach, limited parking at the top

Within Durrës:

From the center (waterfront, Amphitheatre) – 15–20 min walk uphill on Rruga Kont Urani. Steep climb, but pine forest and bay views along the way. Taxi from the center – 300–500 ALL (≈ €3–5).

Season: Year-round. Spring and fall are most comfortable – summer heat makes the uphill walk tiring.

Time of day: Sunset is best for photos. Morning (before 10:00 AM) – fewer people and cooler.

Duration: 30–40 minutes for the façade, panorama, and photos. With the uphill walk from the center – 1.5 hours total.

Tip: Combine with the Archaeological Museum (300 m downhill) and Venetian Tower.