Tour day to Apollonia - Bylis- Ardenica 2-6 persons

Tour day to Appollonia - Bylis- Ardenica  2-6 persons 

Departing from Tirana at 09:00, we’ll reach the Archeological Park of Apollonia in less than 1h 30 minutes.

Located 12km away from Fier city and also from the sea, Apollonia ruins are among the most visited archeological sites in Albania. Apollonia was founded near the Vjosa river in 588 BC from greek colonies of Corfu and Corinth. The area was also inhabited by the Taulantii tribe, the local Illyrian tribe that for centuries lived along with the Greek colonies. Apollonia was one of the 30 cities built in honor of Apollo goodness, the goodness of Sun, poetry, and music. Soon it became an important port full of life. The city became rich thanks to the commercial activities and the port that could anchor about 100 ships. It grew prosperous until an earthquake destroyed almost all the buildings, thus slowly giving way to abandonment. Today, the ancient archeological site of Apollonia is one of the best-known sites in Albania. It is now an important destination for cultural tourism in the country, able to attract more and more visitors every year, and a potential recourse to improve the local economy.

There are a few archeological sites in the Mediterranean area that offer a similar landscape with beautiful ancient architecture and nature. And the Romans knew it! In fact, Cicero passed in this city and wrote some pages confirming that 60,000 people lived there. With the help of our guides, you will be able to identify the ruins of the antique city with straight streets. Here you find what is left of the Hellenistic ancient theater, the triumphal arch, the Agora with its colonnade, the gym, the temple (Bouleuterion) or the monument of Agonothetes (in honor of the two brothers mentioned in the inscription of architrave), the Odeon, the library, and the various mosaic villas. Let’s not forget the fact that Apollonia is the place where the emperor Augustus was formed in 47 BC.

Leaving Apollonia, we’ll head to another beautiful Archeological Site – Bylis.

Free time for lunch.

The ancient city of Bylis is located on the right side of the national road Ballsh-Tepelen, only 35 km from Fieri, 10 km from Ballshi, and 1.5 km from the center of Hekal village.

Founded in the first years of the IV century BC. the city was soon equipped with important monuments such as:

The surrounding wall with a length of 2.2 km, a width of 3.5 m, and a height of up to 9 m, including an area of ​​30 ha within it.

Bylis is the most worthy representative of the Illyrian civilization. The city was founded in the II-I century BC. own coins intended for the Bylin community and the city, which proves Bylis as the capital of the Bylin community, which also included the cities of Nikaja (today’s village of Klos 1.5 km from Bylisi), the Illyrian cities of Margëllić and Gurzezë and many ancient fortifications and villages.

During the Roman period and that of late antiquity, the city underwent changes in accordance with the new conditions created. During the reign of Augustus, Bylisi was transformed into a colony city of Rome. During this period, monuments were added to its architecture such as baths, the altar of Augustus, houses from the Roman period, etc.

In the period of late antiquity, Bylis became an important episcopal center, as the last bishop of Apollonia settled in Bylis. During this time, a new defensive wall was built, which limited the city to 10 ha. The most important monuments of this period are 5 basilicas, among which, one is in the framework of an episcopal complex. The Basilicas of Bylis are among the richest monuments in the Balkans not only for the mosaic floors on an area of ​​1000m2 but also for the rich decorative sculpture. In addition to the basilicas, the city of this period also had other monuments such as wine and oil factories, apartments, etc.

The city was destroyed by barbarian invasions in 586.

Today, the ancient city of Bylis, thanks to numerous archaeological excavations and restorations, is one of the most important ancient centers of our country with 21 monuments from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Late Antiquity periods.

After the visit to The Archeological Site of Bylis, the tour continues with a visit to the Ardenica Monastery, built in 1282 by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus. Here we find the Church of Saint Mary, the Chapel of Saint Trinity, the mill, and stalls for the animals. A place that exudes sacredness, starting with the few gardens in the courtyard and inside wall murals. This place was where the wedding of the Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg, was held on April 21, 1451.

•Due to the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites it could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs.

•This tour is not suitable for customers in a wheelchair. 

•In case of hot weather, we suggest you bring a cap with you.

•Please reach the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure time.