Sol Tropikal Durres

The Cape of Rodon or Cape of Skanderbeg (Albanian: Kepi i Rodonit or Kepi i Skenderbeut) is a rocky cape on the Adriatic Sea north of Durrës, Albania. On the Cape is the Rodoni Castle, built by Skanderbeg in 1463. and a Saint Anthony Church. Further south in the bay between the cape and Rrushkull Reserve there exist several beach resorts like Fshati Turistik Lura while Lalzit Bay Resort is under construction. The name Redon appears in ancient inscriptions found in Santa Maria di Leuca (present-day Lecce), and on coins minted by the Illyrian city of Lissos, suggesting that he was worshipped as the guardian deity of the city, and probably as a sea god. The fact that Redon was always depicted on coins wearing a petasos demonstrates a connection with travelling and sailing, which led historians to the conclusion that Redon was the deity protector of travellers and sailors. Indeed, the inscriptions of Santa Maria di Leuca were carved by the crews of two Roman merchant ships manned by Illyrians. Inscriptions mentioning Redon were also found on coins from the Illyrian cities of Daorson and Scodra, and even in archaeological findings from Dyrrhachium after the establishment of a Roman colony there. His name keeps on being used in the Albanian Kepi i Rodonit, which could be analysed as an Illyrian sanctuary dedicated to the god of the sailors in the past.

The amphitheater in Durrës was built in this flourishing town in the early second century during the reign of Trajan. When filled, it could hold over 20,000 people. The amphitheater was used until the fourth century when a large earthquake damaged the structure. Soon after it was abandoned and a small Christian chapel decorated with frescoes and mosaics was built inside. Another chapel was built in the 13th century but when Albania was conquered by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the whole structure was covered and houses were built above the site. In the 1960s, the Roman amphitheater was rediscovered and partially excavated. More of the structure was excavated in the 1980s, but once exposed to the elements the ancient structure was in danger of being lost forever. In 2004, a massive restoration project saved the monument by turning it into a museum. But it continues to be listed as an endangered cultural site, with many houses still really close and above the old amphitheater. The chapels and their mosaics have also been restored.

The design of the square strengthens the natural coastline of Albania which can be described as a sequence of capes. Our aim was to turn a necessary element of coastal defence into a public space that strengthened the formerly desolate promenade. The site forms the endpoint of this promenade and is divided into three parts: The park, the square, and the urban cape which acts as a public attraction, free of charge. The Park with the green beds and local trees supports the uniqueness of Durres and is easy to maintain. Following the geographical and ecological conditions, 'Cape Square' is seen from far away and invites to climb and play. Cape Square has been received extremely well as a real 'European Public Space' playing an important role in the electoral campaign of the incumbent mayor. It has featured in several music videos and countless wedding pictures and has been published and awarded widely. Cape Square is commonly known as 'Sfinksi' (The Sphinx) all over Albania.

he Royal Villa of Durrës (Albanian: Vila mbretërore e Durrësit), commonly known as Zog's Villa of Durrës, is a historical building in the city of Durrës, Albania. It served as the summer residence of King Zog. It was used as the summer palace by the Albanian Royal family during the reign of the Monarchy and still remains a symbol of the Monarchy in the City. It was restored to Leka Crown Prince of Albania in 2007. The restoration process was accepted and approved by the Albanian lands commission, following all the legal procedures without contest. The Palace was a gift given by the Durrës business community as a sign of prosperity to King Zog. Although in 2012. The villa is set on the Durrës hill, 98 m above the sea level. The sea can be seen from three sides of the villa. It is extended in the form of an eagle and was built in 1926. Kristo Sotiri, an architect who had graduated from the University of Padova and the University of Venice, Italy, designed the villa. By the time that Sotiri was designing the building, he had vast experience that included that of being the architect of the Court of Queen Elisabeth of Wied of Romania. The building was finished in 1937, a few months before King Zog married Queen Géraldine Apponyi de Nagyappony. The villa was used after World War II as a government reception building. During Communist Albania, many communist leaders from Soviet first secretary Nikita Khrushchev to the Cambodian prince Samde Norodom Sihanuk have been guests in the building. Former US President Jimmy Carter also has been one of its guests in the '90s.The interior of the villa was vandalized during the 1997 unrest in Albania. Prince Leka has outlined a reconstruction plan to be implemented in the near future.

The Durrës Archaeological Museum opened in March of 1951. The initial objects were displayed inside a two-story villa. These were all the artifacts that had been discovered up to that time in excavations in the Durrës area. Over the years, however, the museum has changed location numerous times. Today, it is located on Taulantia Street, conveniently near Volga, the city’s beautiful seaside promenade. Inaugurated in 2015, this museum houses more than 2,000 objects from the prehistoric era to the 4th century A.D. In its entrance, you will notice the beautiful large sculptures, some of the most gorgeous treasures of the museum. From the statue of Gea, goddess of earth and fertility, found in 2005 in Durrës, to the sculptures of Roman emperors. In this museum, you will explore three main historical periods in chronological order starting. The story begins with prehistory and the Dyrrah of 3000 years ago and continues on to the Hellenistic period and Roman periods. Within these broad historical periods, you will encounter the Illyrian period, perhaps the most fascinating and pertinent to Albanian history.