# Durrës Castle

- **Country:** Albania
- **Coordinates:** 41.309700, 19.447000
- **Notes:** The castle was built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (r. 491–518), who was born in Durrës.
- **Condition:** preserved
- **Year Built:** 5th century
- **Location Text:** Durrës''''

Durrës Castle, situated in the coastal city of Durrës, Albania, is a historic fortified site with origins tracing to the 1st century BC, though its definitive structure was completed in the 5th century under Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I. The castle features massive city walls, later reinforced with Venetian-era guard towers, and was renowned for its formidable design—historian Anna Komnene noted in the 12th century that four horsemen could ride abreast along its battlements. As a key Adriatic stronghold, it served as both a military and commercial hub for centuries, reflecting strategic importance across multiple empires.  

The castle endured significant damage from a 1273 earthquake, prompting extensive repairs, and changed hands repeatedly among Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, and Albanian rulers. It witnessed pivotal battles in 1018, 1081, and 1939, underscoring its role in regional conflicts. Today, the site remains a well-preserved cultural monument, attracting tourists and hosting events like the Miss Shqipëria pageant. Its ancient walls and Venetian Tower stand as enduring symbols of Durrës’ layered history, maintained as a vital link to Albania’s past.

![Photo of Durrës Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Torra_ne_Durres.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durrës_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)