- Address: Rruga Anastas Durrsaku, Durres, Albania
- Foundation date: 5th century
One of the main attractions of the city of Durres in Albania is the Venetian Tower. It was built during the existence of the Venetian Republic. Now tourists can not only take a picture at the walls of a unique tower, but also relax on the roof of the tower for a cup of ice tea.
History of the Tower
Until now, parts of Byzantine defenses have been preserved, which were built on the orders of Emperor Anastasius I after the invasion of Durres in 481. At that time it made the resort the most fortified city on the Adriatic. Several centuries later, when Durres was part of the Venetian Republic, the defensive walls were further strengthened by Venetian towers of round shape.
An important role in the defense of the city was played by the Venetian tower during the Second World War - on April 7, 1939, Albanian patriotic snipers, protecting the city from the attack, spent several hours in fear of fascist Italians. Armed with only a few sniper rifles and three machine guns, from the tower they were able to neutralize a large number of light tanks that were unloaded from naval vessels. After that the resistance decreased and in five hours Italy captured the whole city.
Description of the structure
Today, we can only guess a little about what kind of fortifications were in Durres almost a thousand years ago. According to the Byzantine historian Anna Comnina, all the Venetian towers were identical, round, had walls of 5 meters in thickness and 12 meters in height. Login could be thanks to three secure inputs. The towers were joined together by walls, their width was so large that, according to historians, "four riders could ride them in the foot."
At the moment the building is completely redone and only walls remained of it. At the base of the Venetian tower in Albania is a restaurant, and on the roof there is a summer terrace with a bar. This place is very popular among Albanian youth, which here celebrates birthdays and holidays.
How to get there?
From Central Train Station in Durres to the Venetian tower you can get on the route Rruga Adria, in half a kilometer you will see the gas station near which you have to turn right and go for about another kilometer. On the circle at the second exit, turn left and head to the intersection of the Venetian Tower.
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