Byzantine Forum, Durrës

Ruins in Durrës

Byzantine Market Square In Durres
CC BY-SA 4.0 / GentiBehramaj

In the bustling center of Durrës, traces of a once-grand Byzantine market square quietly rest between modern streets and shops. The Byzantine Forum, also known as the Byzantine Market Square (Tregu Bizantin), marks the historic heart of the ancient city of Dyrrhachium. Built at the end of the 6th century under Emperor Anastasius I, it once served as a civic and commercial hub for the Roman and Byzantine inhabitants of the city. Today, its circular plaza and standing Corinthian columns evoke the elegance and sophistication of that bygone era.

For travelers exploring Durrës' layered past, this site is one of the must-see places in Durrës and a highlight of any walking tour of Durrës. Although partly reconstructed and modest in scale today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur that once defined this Adriatic city — a blend of trade, architecture, and urban design that connected Durrës with the heart of Constantinople.

History and Significance of Byzantine Forum

The Byzantine Forum was built during the reign of Emperor Anastasius I (481–518), who was born in Durrës when it was still known as Dyrrhachium. During this period, the city flourished as an important port of the Byzantine Empire, linking the Adriatic to the Via Egnatia — the great Roman road leading to Constantinople. The forum functioned as both a market square and a civic center, surrounded by public buildings, shops, and temples.

Architecturally, the forum's design closely resembled that of Constantine's Curved Forum in Constantinople, which was destroyed during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The Durrës Forum, however, has survived in part, allowing visitors to imagine the lively gatherings and market activity that once animated the space. Its circular paved plaza, roughly 40 meters in diameter, is framed by elegant Corinthian columns, with a central podium and well that served as focal points for trade and public discourse. Excavations in the 1960s also uncovered the remains of Roman thermal baths nearby, further illustrating the area's civic importance in antiquity.

Things to See and Do in Byzantine Forum

Visiting the Byzantine Forum is one of the things to do in Durrës for anyone interested in ancient history and urban archaeology. The site offers a compact yet evocative window into Durrës' Roman and Byzantine past. The circular paved area, partially reconstructed, is surrounded by marble fragments and columns that hint at the site's original grandeur. Standing here, it's easy to imagine merchants, officials, and citizens crossing the square centuries ago.

Adjacent to the forum, visitors can also see the remains of the Roman thermal baths discovered during 20th-century excavations. These include sections of the hypocaust heating system — raised floors supported by brick pillars that once carried hot air through the rooms — as well as remnants of a Roman shower. While only fragments remain, they are invaluable for understanding daily life in the ancient city. With its central location, the forum is often visited on walking tours of Durrës and pairs naturally with visits to the nearby amphitheater and archaeological museum.

How to Get There

The Byzantine Forum is located in central Durrës, within easy walking distance of the main square and the Durrës Archaeological Museum. From the waterfront promenade, it's about a 10-minute walk inland. Buses and taxis from Tirana stop near the city center, making the site easily accessible from the capital.

If you are driving, limited street parking can be found nearby, though it may be busy during peak hours. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Since the site is compact and centrally situated, exploring on foot is the most convenient option.

Practical Tips on Visiting Byzantine Forum

  • Best time to visit Byzantine Forum: Morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the marble columns.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
  • Opening hours: Open-air site; accessible at all times.
  • Official website: None; details available through Durrës Tourism Office.
  • How long to spend: 20–30 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Fairly accessible; uneven ground in parts.
  • Facilities: None on-site, but cafés and shops are nearby.
  • Photography tip: Capture the columns and circular layout with surrounding city life in the frame.
  • Guided tours: Included in many Durrës city walking tours.
  • Nearby food options: Several cafés and bakeries within a short walk around the city center.

Is Byzantine Forum Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Byzantine Forum may not be grand in scale today, but its historical importance and central location make it well worth a stop. It's one of the few places in Albania where you can see direct architectural continuity from the Late Roman to the Byzantine period. For anyone interested in archaeology or ancient urban planning, it's a rewarding and atmospheric site to explore — and a reminder of Durrës' long-standing role as a bridge between East and West.

FAQs for Visiting Byzantine Forum

When was the Byzantine Forum built?
It was constructed in the late 6th century under Emperor Anastasius I.

What was the Forum used for?
It served as a public and commercial square — the heart of civic life in ancient Dyrrachium.

Can visitors enter the site freely?
Yes, it is an open-air site with no admission fee.

Are there other ancient ruins nearby?
Yes, the Roman thermal baths are adjacent, and the amphitheater is a short walk away.

Is it suitable for photography?
Absolutely — especially for capturing the contrast of ancient ruins against modern Durrës.

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The Byzantine Forum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Durrës!

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Visiting Byzantine Forum

Address: Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës, Albania
Durrës: 0 km

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