Royal Villa of Durrës

Historic Building in Durrës

This historic building, in the city of Durrës, Albania, is the Royal Villa of Durrës,  or more commonly known as King Zog’s Villa of Durrës. The villa is a fascinating reminder of this Albanian dynasty, which only existed from 1928-1939.

It was designed in 1937 for King Zog I, who had just had a year to experience the house which was used as a summer palace. The villa is set on the Durrës hill, 98 m above the sea level and the sea can be seen from three sides of the villa.

After the abolition of the monarchy, the villa became a grand communist reception building which welcomed both Nikita Khrushchev and Jimmy Carter on official visits. unfortunately the villa was ransacked as Albania plunged into brief civil unrest in 1997, and has not been touched since.

The Royal Villa is derelict these days although it was restored to King Zogs son, Leka Crown Prince of Albania in 2007 who intends to have the palace renovated.

Unfortunately you cannot see much of the villa from the road – but nice views over the bay.

The Royal Villa of Durrës appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Durrës!

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Visiting Royal Villa of Durrës

Address: Vila e Zogut Albania Rruga Kont Urani 34 2000, Albania
Duration: 1 hours

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Tours and Activities from Durrës

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