Durres holds valuable underwater heritage that adds to the city’s charm and could greatly boost archaeological tourism.

Since ancient times, Durres was a major port on the Adriatic Sea. It was also a busy shipbuilding center.

Today, land archaeology in Durres blends beautifully with underwater archaeology. Every amphora tells a story, and every wave hides a piece of the past.

The city’s beauty extends beyond its streets and the Archaeological Park. Beneath the water, hidden among the waves, lie ancient artifacts waiting to be discovered by divers.

Over the years, archaeologists have found fragments of amphorae, sunken ship remains, and various urban and trade objects from ancient Dyrrachium.
Albanian underwater expeditions began as early as the 1970s and 1980s.

Underwater archaeology—or hydroarchaeology—is a relatively new scientific field. It developed in the early 20th century, even though interest in submerged objects dates back to ancient times.

For many divers in the Mediterranean, exploring underwater ruins is more than a passion. Broken statues, column capitals, and ancient pottery all speak of a rich life along these coasts thousands of years ago.

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