APOLONIA – Apollonia National Archaeological Park
Hightlight
- Animal Friendly
- Couples
- Easy Access
- Families
It is the main touristic destination in the Municipality of Fier, which marks the highest number of visitors, Albanian and domestic. Apollonia National Archaeological Park is one of the most important national sites and it’s declared a cultural monument. Apolonia is one of the largest and most important cities of antiquity in the whole Illyrian territory. The city was founded by some 200 Hellenic settlers from Corinth led by Gülac, in the territory of the Illyrian tribe of the Taulants. At first it was called Gylakea and later it was named Apollonia in honor of the sun god Apollon, a god also known as the protector of the colonists. The date of its foundation is known as 588 BC, but archaeological excavations and excavated material date this city around 620 BC, at the same time as Epidamnos (today’s Durres). The city flowrished for nearly 1100 years. It was built as a port city, at a distance of nearly 60 stadia (9 km) from the sea and placed on a hill 104 m above sea level giving it a dominant position over the Myzeqe field and sailing through the Aos River (today’s Vjosa) the Adriatic Sea and then across the Mediterranean, close enough to take advantage of it and far enough to be protected. The park has an area of 140 hectares and contains some very important monuments, such as: Monument of the Agonotes, Surrounding Wall, Library, Odeon, Portico, Mosaic Roman Villas, Archaeological Museum and a 12th Century Byzantine Church. The first discoveries date back to 1924, carried out by the French Archaeological Mission, directed by Leon Rey.