Albania - The Amphitheatre of Durres

"It is the largest and most important Balkan amphitheater built in the early I sc. which contains remarkable functional architectural values ​​and constructive, the unique found in Albania. Systematic excavations began in 1966 and now e jusq'á been updated in the middle of the monument. The amphitheater is located in the center of the city, based on the cavea western slope of the hill and the part opposite stands on level ground. The amphitheater is presented in the form of an ellipse diameter 136 m. The height of the cavea starting from the base, is 20 m. The capacity of the stands was 15000 to 20000 spectators. These steps were covered with white tiles. The gladiators fought in the arena. On the constructive side, the cavea of the amphitheater was based on a system of stone arches that surrounded the whole object. The size and the technical realization of this amphitheater shows a development of the city of Durres in the early centuries of our era. After having suffered the social and economic changes after the IV sc the Durres amphitheater ceased to function as such. In one of his galleries were built in the X sc. a Byzantine chapel, whose walls were decorated with mosaics representing different figures." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

View of Durres Amphitheatre of Albania. Thanks to Darina of USA.