Historical background of Apollonia, Albania
Travelling to historical sites is not the common destination that most of us think about, but sometimes it can be a great choice. One of those times is when you visit the ancient city of Apollonia, Albania.
“Apollonia” was a city in Antiquity in southwestern Albania, in the territory of the ancient Illyria, in the region ruled by the Illyrians Taulanti. According to archaeological and historical findings, it was founded in the 6th Century B.C. However according to archaeological findings, the area was already populated and had a certain development before becoming the place that we cherish today. Apollonia had an area of around 1.5 km2 surrounded by more than 4 km of exterior walls. It brimmed with life and development till the 3rd century A.D. when an earthquake caused the change of the course of river Vjosë and left Apollonia without its lifegiving and very important Port, thus disconnecting it from the sea. After many centuries, the ancient city was reborn as a National Park and Cultural Monument (Parku Arkeologjik i Apollonisë). According to Historians and Archaeologists, most of the ancient city is yet to be unearthed by future excavations.
In the ancient city of Apollonia, we can find also Greek, Roman and Byzantine influences.
To learn more about the life and importance of this city, you should also visit the Archaeological Museum there.
The topics included in this Travel Guide are as follows:
- When to visit?
- How to go there?
- What to do?
- Last remarks
When to visit?
To best enjoy the visit, sunny weather would be very helpful and fortunately, in Albania, the climate is very generous so you can go there during most of the year, especially during the period April-June and September-November. In July and August, the sun can be a “little” tough, so it´s not so much recommended or maybe just in the morning. Based on the visitor numbers from the last years, big crowds are also normal during the peak season. The last time we went there, was on May 2022, great weather and not too many people.
It will be a great and memorable visit while holidaying in Albania for several days or weeks.
How to go there?
The Apollonia Archaeological Park is 11-13 km southwest of Fier and approximately 120 km southwest of Tirana. Being in a convenient geographic location makes it easy to go there. An overview of possible connections is as follows:
- Take a cab from Fier to Apollonia by either consulting the information on the internet or asking directly the drivers of the cabs along the streets of the city.
- By taking the bus or van from Tirana to Fier, consulting the information from the new public transport platform etransport. From Fier, there are the opportunities mentioned above.
- You can find cabs in Tirana and head directly to Apollonia Archaeological Park.
- You can consult the website etransport if you want to start the journey from another city or location in Albania.
- Tours that are organised by operators in Tirana or Fier. Reserve ahead of time with them to ensure a smooth experience. Usually, tours are for just one day and comprise activities, not just transportation.
- A car rental is also an option if you want to be more independent. Plenty of offers are available in Tirana, Fier or other important cities in Albania.
- You can also go there with a camper. There is plenty of space in the parking lot at the entry.
What to do?
The Apollonia Archaeological Park covers a big area and contains numerous archaeological structures and objects to visit, so there´s much to do in 1 day.
A guiding list of the structures to see and explore is as follows:
- Monumental centre (Agora) of the ancient city.
- Monument of Agonothetes
- Temple of Diana.
- Temple of Artemis.
- Promenades A and B (Stoa A and B).
- Fortifications and outer walls
- The Theater (Odeon).
- Roman villas with mosaics.
- The Library.
- Sleeping Saint Mary Church and Archaeologic Museum of Apollonia.
- Monastery of Saint Mary
- & many others.
Near the entrance of the National Park, there are souvenir stands where you can take a memory of your day in Apollonia.
Of course, taking beautiful photos from the hills where the ancient city is located, will be worth it!
Last remarks about Apollonia Archaeological Park
Apollonia is one of the most important and visited historical sites in Albania. Be sure to plan a visit there if you spend the holidays in Albania. Take the time you need to experience and discover as much as possible during the visit.
We hope that our guidance will be helpful for your visit to the Park of Apollonia, Albania. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below and we’ll be more than happy to answer! Happy time travel!
