Byzantine Forum Durrës

The Byzantine Forum, as it would have been in the ancient city of Dyrrhachium or Dyrrah, is situated in the heart of Durrës. It would have had a pivotal location among the Byzantine period’s other big civic and religious structures. They were constructed during the reign of Roman Emperor Anastasios around the end of the sixth century (481-518).

The forum is regarded as one of Albania’s outstanding Late Roman and Early Byzantine Period structures. The Forum is very similar to Constantine’s Curved Forum at Constantinople, which was regrettably destroyed by Fourth Crusade forces in 1204.

Despite being bordered by the contemporary city of Durres, the atmosphere of antiquity is palpable as you enter this majestic place! This structure, together with the city-harbor defences, was built at the end of the 6th century during the reign of Roman Emperor Anastasios (481-518). The fortifications were regarded to be the strongest in the Balkans once they were completed. According to historians, their walls were thick enough that many knights could stand side by side on them. This longevity explains why this forum may still be found in the heart of the city!

This structure, also known as the Byzantine Market (Tregu Bizantin), was originally thought to be a typical Roman open market complex. However, the Forum’s construction, particularly its circular paved area (40m in diameter), indicates that it was most likely utilized for more formal events. This isn’t your typical market! The Forum’s rotunda, which has a diameter of about 6 meters, may have housed a gigantic statue, and hence the market and trade activities were likely centered around it. Once inside, you’ll see that vistas of the future city are beautifully framed by the enormous columns that encircle the rotunda!

The Roman hot baths of Durres, as well as the amphitheatre, were discovered in the 1960s inside the forum.