Surveys began on Tuesday in the amphitheater of Durrës, aiming to discover the elements of the arena that are still covered, as well as the connection with the hill where a part of the monument rests.
Specialists and archaeologists are closely following the work being done in the central part of the amphitheater.

This is the first step in the implementation of the long-term project for the full opening of the amphitheater built in the 2nd century AD. The project for the complete opening of the amphitheater as well as for the complete rehabilitation of the central area of Durrës became known two years ago.

The Municipality of Durrës, the Ministry of Culture and the Albanian-American Foundation for Development AADF are cooperating for the complete discovery of the largest monument that has been found so far in our country.

The amphitheater of Durrës was discovered in 1966 by the well-known archaeologist Vangjel Toçi. During the summer expeditions of 1966-1970, about 2/3 of the monument, which was built in the period of Emperor Trajan, was discovered. In order to open the staircases and galleries, the authorities of the time ordered in a few weeks the demolition of 33 houses and the transfer of 50 families, who, without knowing it, had lived on top of a 1900-year-old monumental work.

Despite the archaeological research in the space of the amphitheater, in more than 50 years there has been no intervention aimed at discovering other important elements. The project that is expected to be implemented has started with the expropriations and compensations of the families living in the north-eastern part of the amphitheater.

/a.s/