DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Apollonia Archaeological Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruins
—°8
Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)

Weather…

Apollonia Archaeological Park is situated near the city of Fier and preserves the ruins of one of the most prominent ancient cities in Illyria. Founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth, the city flourished as a vital commercial hub and a center of Hellenic culture. During the Roman period, Apollonia maintained its status as a free city and became home to a prestigious school of philosophy and rhetoric, where the future Emperor Augustus studied. The site features impressive architectural remains, such as the Bouleuterion, the Odeon, and the library, which reflect the city's past grandeur and intellectual significance. A major earthquake in the 3rd century AD altered the course of the Vjosa River, leading to the silting of the harbor and the city's eventual decline. Today, the park features a unique journey through time, featuring both classical ruins and the well-preserved medieval Monastery of Saint Mary.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101012151823262622191511
Rain mm103908261573622268098123128

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Apollonia Archaeological Park is open to visitors and can be visited for an entrance fee. The ruins of the Greek colony stretch across a vast area.
🕒
Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter. It is advisable to check current times before traveling.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, but without flash in covered areas. The Buleuterion and colonnades offer classic photo subjects.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least two hours for a thorough walk through the park. Those wanting to visit the on-site museum should plan for three hours.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Fier city and the Ardenica Monastery. The beaches of the Albanian Riviera are also a short drive away.
🧭
Getting there
Apollonia is about 12 kilometers west of Fier and easily reachable via the SH4 road. The park entrance is signposted and there is parking on site.
💡
Insider tip
Hire a guide at the entrance to better understand the site's history. Visit the park early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

Geography

Coordinates
40.72250, 19.46950

Facts

  • Founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth.
  • The future Roman Emperor Augustus studied rhetoric here in the 1st century BC.
  • The Bouleuterion, the monument of the Agonothetes, was built in the 2nd century AD.
  • A severe earthquake in the 3rd century permanently altered the course of the Vjosa River.
  • The city walls originally spanned a total length of approximately 4 kilometers.
  • The Monastery of Saint Mary on the site was constructed in the 13th century.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ApolloniaApollonia<1 km · WExplore →
LevanLevan6 km · SExplore →
FierFier7 km · EExplore →
NovoselëNovoselë11 km · SExplore →
PatosPatos13 km · EExplore →
Seman RiverSeman River14 km · NWExplore →
ZharrëzZharrëz15 km · EExplore →
Ardenica MonasteryArdenica Monastery15 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Apollonia Archaeological Park (8)

Villas excavated by L.Rey

Villas excavated by L. Rey in Apollonia, remains of Roman houses.

House (sector F)

House in sector F of Apollonia, archaeological excavation site.

Theatre rocks sorted

Sorted rocks from the ancient theatre of Apollonia.

Archaeological Museum of Apollonia🏛 museum

Museum in Apollonia with finds from the ancient city.

🆓

Museo Aecheologico🏛 museum

Archaeological museum in Apollonia.

Monastery of St. Mary of Apollonia

Medieval monastery in Pojan, Albania.

West Gate

West gate of the ancient city of Apollonia, ruin.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Apollonia?
Near the city of Fier in central Albania.
What is the most famous building?
The Bouleuterion (Monument of the Agonothetes) with its columns.
Is there a museum there?
Yes, a museum is located in the nearby St. Mary's Monastery.
Who studied here?
The future Roman Emperor Augustus studied rhetoric here.
How much is the entry fee?
Entry costs about 600 ALL per person.
Apollonia Archaeological Park: where is it located?
Apollonia Archaeological Park is located in Albania.
Apollonia Archaeological Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Villas excavated by L.Rey, House (sector F), Theatre rocks sorted.
Apollonia Archaeological Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Apollonia Archaeological Park: why is it worth visiting?
Apollonia Archaeological Park is situated near the city of Fier and preserves the ruins of one of the most prominent ancient cities in Illyria.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Albania →

Nearby cities

Arapaj — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Arapaj
Arapaj is a historical village near Durrës, famous for the remains of one of the largest early Christian basilicas in the Balkans.
Bradashesh — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Bradashesh
Bradashesh is a suburb of Elbasan and an important industrial location.
Elbasan — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Elbasan
Elbasan is located on the Shkumbin River and serves as a major industrial and cultural hub.
Lushnjë — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Lushnjë
Lushnjë is located in the fertile Myzeqe plain and serves as a key agricultural center.
Karbunarë — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Karbunarë
Karbunarë is a suburb of Lushnja, serving as an important agricultural and industrial gateway to the Myzeqe plain.
Kuçovë — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Kuçovë
Kuçovë is known as Albania's oil city and was formerly named after Stalin.
Karpen — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Karpen
Karpen is a charming coastal village in Albania, known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere by the Adriatic Sea.
Kavajë — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Kavajë
Kavajë is a historical city located near the Adriatic coast.
Qerret — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Qerret
Qerret is a popular coastal village in Albania with fine sandy beaches and warm waters.
Golem — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Golem
A popular seaside resort south of Durrës, known for its extensive sandy beaches, pine forests, and a wide variety of modern resorts.
Librazhd — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Librazhd
Librazhd is located on the strategic route between Elbasan and Lake Ohrid.
Cakran — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Cakran
Cakran is a village rich in history located in the hills south of Fier.
Fushë-Krujë — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Fushë-Krujë
Fushë-Krujë is located in the plain below the historic city of Krujë.
Peqin — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Peqin
Peqin is an ancient town located on the Via Egnatia.
Patos — Apollonia Archaeological Park (Albania)
Patos
Patos is an important industrial center in southwestern Albania, defined by its oil extraction.