In the Amphitheater of Durrës, built at the end of the 1st century AD and discovered in 1966 by the well-known archaeologist Vangjel Toçi, work has begun on the excavation and restoration project.

The Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, said today that “with the decision of the National Council of Tangible Cultural Heritage, work has started on the amphitheater spaces”.

“The major project of excavation and restoration is being preceded by the archaeological survey and the application of vertical and horizontal geological probes in order to better know the underground layers, the extent of the monument, its connection with the natural terrain as well as the level of underground water”, emphasized Margariti.

Minister Margariti said that “the results that are being obtained will serve for the drafting of reports, which will create a sound basis for the continuation of the project to bring to light this extraordinary wealth”.

The amphitheater of Durrës has Roman architecture and was built at the end of the century I AD, in the period of the emperor Trajan. It has been used for gladiator and wild animal fights for nearly 2 centuries.

The monument was discovered in 1966 by the well-known archaeologist Vangjel Toçi. So far, about half of the amphitheater has been discovered, with the western and northern parts of the staircases, as well as a part of the galleries.

The ancient amphitheater is attracting more and more local and foreign tourists.

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