The Ancient City of Apollonia.

The city of Apollonia was probably founded in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth. The city flourished in the 4th century BC and was an important trade and economic centre, one of the most important cities of the Adriatic basin. During Roman times, it was one of the gateways to Via Egnatia. Throughout its existence, the culture and the general development of the city maintained a clear Greek character while keeping a close relationship with the Illyrian hinterland. The city was abandoned during the medieval period

Beautifully located on the top of the hill, with infinity panoramic view to the Fier city and Adriatic coastline is Apollonia Archaeological Park.
The city of Apollonia was founded at the beginning of the 7th century BC by Greek colonist from Corfu and Corinth,later came under the Roman Republic control.
In ancient Illyria (Albania today) the city of Apollonia, was broadly known as Apollonia of Illyria, with about 60.000 inhabitants, was very important trade center of Albania and for all Mediterranean with its products, ceramics, decorations, work tools, vineyards, olives, fruits and more.
In that time, Apollonia had it’s coins, which has circulated until around the years 30-25 BC, while in its Academy has studied the future Roman emperor Octavian Augustus.

The Albanian and French archaeologists, often compare Apollonia with the Roman city of Pompeii in Italy, because much of the ancient city is still buried and needs to be further excavated, only ten per cent of the city has been excavated.
Apollonia is so romantic, magical, is an absolutely fascinating place, perfect combination of nature and history, is a place you can fall in love.

In the park there is a museum with incredible Greek and Roman artifacts and sculptures, from the Illyrian ages, excavated from the area and a Byzantine of the thirteenth century church of Saint Mary, brochures in Albanian, English and Italian languages are available.

Visitors from all over the world visit the site with the highest number come from Germany,Switzerland,France,Austria,Italy,Russia,Poland, Czech Republic etc.

Often locals visit the place for a picknic or brides and grooms at the afternoons will take a photos and videos for their marriage.
Only 11-km west of Fier city,45-km away from Vlora and 122-km from Tirana capital,next to Pojan village, few kilometers away from Adriatic coast,in very good condition road,the site is very easy to get to.
Apollonia Arcaeological Park is open from 09:00 to 20:00
The ticket costs 400lek,(about 3euro) and you can visit the archaeological park, the Saint Mary church and museum with it.