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Albania |
Durrės historically
known as Epidamnos and Dyrrachium, is the second most populous
city of the Republic of Albania. The city is the capital of the
surrounding Durrės County. Located on the Adriatic Sea, it is
the country's most ancient and economic and historic center.
Founded by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu under the name
of Epidamnos around the 7th century BC, the city essentially
developed to become significant as it became an integral part of
the Roman Empire and its successor the Byzantine Empire. The Via
Egnatia, the continuation of the Via Appia, started in the city
and led across the interior of the Balkan Peninsula to
Constantinople in the east. In the Middle Ages, it was contested
between Bulgarian, Venetian and Ottoman dominions.
Following the
declaration of independence of Albania, the city served as the
capital of the Principality of Albania for a short period of
time. It was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy and Nazi Germany in
the interwar period. The city experienced a strong expansion in
its demography and economic activity during the Communism in
Albania. Durrės is served by the Port of Durrės, one of the
largest on the Adriatic Sea, which connects the city to Italy and
other neighbouring countries.
Click on the picture you want to look at -
panoramic pix available
| Exploring
the beach and surroundings |
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| Exploring
the center of Dürres |
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| Solid
and old fort/Town wall |
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