Via Egnatia, Durrës

Ruins in Durrës

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Liridon

Long before highways and flight routes linked Europe and Asia, the Romans carved a road that did just that — the Via Egnatia. Beginning in Durrës, known in antiquity as Dyrrachium, this ancient trade route stretched east across the Balkans, crossing modern-day Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece before reaching Istanbul (then Byzantium). For centuries, it was the artery through which cultures, armies, and ideas flowed between the Western and Eastern worlds.

For modern travelers, the Via Egnatia is one of the must-see places in Durrës — not as a single monument, but as a historic path that shaped the region's destiny. Its Albanian section is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Durrës or a day trip into the countryside, offering both a taste of history and the thrill of following in ancient footsteps.

History and Significance of Via Egnatia
Things to See and Do in Via Egnatia
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Via Egnatia
Is Via Egnatia Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Via Egnatia
Nearby Attractions to Via Egnatia

History and Significance of Via Egnatia

The Via Egnatia was constructed in the 2nd century BC by the Romans to link the Adriatic coast with their eastern territories. It began at the port city of Dyrrachium (modern Durrës), one of the Roman Empire's most important gateways to the Balkans, and ran eastward through the mountains and valleys of the interior before reaching Thessaloniki and eventually Byzantium. Along this road marched Roman legions, caravans of merchants, and travelers heading toward the imperial heartlands.

The road's name comes from Gnaeus Egnatius, the Roman proconsul of Macedonia who ordered its construction. Engineered with precision, the Via Egnatia featured large stone slabs and milestones marking distances, much like the famed Via Appia in Italy. It was part of a vast network that connected Rome with Asia Minor and beyond, facilitating trade, communication, and governance across the empire. Even centuries after Rome's decline, the route retained its importance — serving Byzantine emperors, Ottoman traders, and medieval pilgrims alike.

Things to See and Do in Via Egnatia

While the full Via Egnatia spanned more than 1,100 kilometers, sections of it can still be traced in Albania, particularly near Durrës and Elbasan. Visitors in Durrës can start their exploration at the city's port area, where the road once began, before traveling inland to the modern town of Rrashbull or onward toward Elbasan, where remnants of the Roman paving stones are occasionally visible.

For those seeking a taste of adventure, walking a short segment of the old route offers a rewarding glimpse into Albania's layered past. The road winds through olive groves, small villages, and scenic hills, following roughly the same line that connected Durrës to Lake Ohrid in antiquity. It's an evocative experience — one of the things to do in Durrës for travelers interested in blending nature, history, and a sense of timeless journeying. The route also connects easily with other historical sites, making it often visited on walking tours of Durrës and its hinterland.

How to Get There

The starting point of the Via Egnatia is in central Durrës, near the old harbor area. From here, the original Roman route headed eastward toward Rrashbull and Elbasan. The first sections can be explored by car or on guided tours that follow the old road's direction. 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.

Elbasan, roughly 55 km from Durrës, makes a convenient day trip and offers some of the best-preserved remains of the Roman and Ottoman sections of the road. Buses run regularly between Durrës and Elbasan, or you can hire a private guide for a more in-depth exploration.

Practical Tips on Visiting Via Egnatia

Best time to visit Via Egnatia: Spring and autumn for pleasant walking temperatures and clear skies.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Open access throughout the route.
Official website: None; local tourist offices in Durrës and Elbasan provide maps and directions.
How long to spend: A few hours to a full day depending on how much of the route you explore.
Accessibility: Varies; some rural sections are uneven and best suited for sturdy shoes or hiking gear.
Facilities: Minimal; bring water and snacks.
Photography tip: Capture the contrast of old Roman stones set against Albania’s rural landscapes.
Guided tours: Available through local travel agencies focusing on cultural or hiking experiences.
Nearby food options: Traditional eateries can be found in villages along the route and in Elbasan.

Is Via Egnatia Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Via Egnatia offers more than just an archaeological curiosity — it's a journey through time and terrain, connecting modern travelers with the spirit of the ancient world. Whether you walk a few meters in Durrës or follow the road deep into Albania's interior, you'll experience history underfoot in a way few other sites can provide. It's a powerful reminder of how Albania once stood at the crossroads of empires and ideas.

FAQs for Visiting Via Egnatia

When was the Via Egnatia built?
In the 2nd century BC during the Roman Republic, under Gnaeus Egnatius.

Where did it start and end?
It began in Durrës (Dyrrachium) on the Adriatic coast and ended in Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul).

Can you still walk parts of it?
Yes, sections remain accessible near Durrës and Elbasan, though much of the route is unmarked.

Is it difficult to find?
Some areas are easy to reach, but others require local guidance or a tour.

What’s the best way to explore it?
Join a local guided walk or self-drive to rural sections near Elbasan for the best-preserved remains.

Nearby Attractions to Via Egnatia

Royal Villa of Durrës – King Zog's summer residence offering panoramic views over the bay.
Durrës Amphitheater – A vast Roman arena that once hosted gladiatorial games.
Durrës Archaeological Museum – Exhibits artifacts from Dyrrhachium and along the Via Egnatia.
Byzantine Forum – The ancient market square that lay near the start of the Roman route.
Durrës Castle – A 6th-century fortress built under Emperor Anastasius I.

The Via Egnatia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Durrës!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!