Durres

Durrës (historically also known as Epidamnos) is the largest port and second largest city and a municipality of Albania. Geographically, it is central on the coast, about 33 km west of the capital Tirana.

It is one of the most ancient and economically significant cities of Albania. Durrës is home to Albania's main port. The city is at one of the narrower points of the Adriatic Sea, opposite the Italian ports of Bari and Brindisi.

When Albania became independent (in 1912) Durres was its capital. This remained until 1920. The total population is 200,110, while the metropolitan area has a population of 265,000.

Durrës is an important link to Western Europe due to its port and its proximity to the Italian port cities, notably Bari, to which daily ferries run. As well as the dockyard, it also possesses an important shipyard and manufacturing industries, notably producing leather, plastic and tobacco products.

Durrës is home to the largest archaeological museum in the country. There are also several museums such as Royal Villa of Durrës and the Museum of History (the house of Aleksandër Moisiu). Durrës host also the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre, the Estrada Theater, the puppet theater, and the philharmonic orchestra. Localities from around of Durrës are known for producing good wines and delicious dishes.