Half day tour with lunch from Vlora to Apollonia

Apollonia, a UNESCO archaeological site, stands as a remarkable testament to both Greek and Roman heritage, having once thrived as a major commercial and cultural hub. Nestled near the village of Pojan, this ancient city offers visitors the chance to wander through one of Europe’s best-preserved archaeological parks, sprawling over nearly 140 hectares. Its vast ruins tell the story of a city built layer by layer on two adjacent hills, preserving temples, houses, and a theater beneath the earth for centuries. Often referred to as the Albanian Pompeii, Apollonia’s excavation history began in the early 1930s when French archaeologists uncovered the extensive remains of this ancient metropolis, revealing treasures that continue to inspire and captivate historians and tourists alike.

Founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth, Apollonia was established on lands already inhabited by the Illyrian tribes. This city was a vibrant crossroads where merchants, scholars, military leaders, and religious figures converged. Among its notable historical connections is the fact that a young Augustus, protected by Julius Caesar, came here to study. The city’s public buildings were strategically placed between two hills, dividing military and religious functions. The Temenos area housed the Temple of Apollo, Doric temples, sanctuaries, and warehouses, while the bustling agora was the heart of civic life, featuring political buildings such as the Bouleterion (local council), the Odeon, the Library, and monuments like the Arc de Triomphe and the Temple of Diana. These ruins collectively offer a vivid glimpse into the social, cultural, and political fabric of one of the most important ancient cities in the Balkans.