Overview:

The Royal Villa of Durrës is one of the most iconic monuments in the city of Durrës, Albania. It is located in the Fortress of Durrës, nestled against a striking hillside. This remarkable villa was built in 1845 as a home for the royals of the Ottoman Empire. It was designed in the neoclassical style, featuring a large central court encircled by arches and columns, as well as stunning interior decorations. In more modern times, the building has been used as a hotel and accommodating for various political meetings and conferences. The villa has a history of hosting important foreign dignitaries, including the former president of the United States, Barack Obama. Today, the Villa serves as a museum, as well as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Durrës. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Spectacular Grand Staircase – The Royal Villa of Durrës is home to an impressive grand staircase that features intricately carved banisters, a unique marble floor, and golden details. 2. Ornate Ceiling Artworks – This iconic villa features a dance hall with a stunning ceiling artwork that is adorned with golden stars and designs. 3. Tiled Roofs – This villa has several buildings with beautiful tile roofing that reflect the traditional style of the region. 4. Lush Gardens – A lush garden surrounded by pink walls and terraces offers stunning views of the Adriatic coast. 5. Luxurious Bedroom Suites – The Royal Villa also comes with luxurious bedroom suites that feature frescoed walls and marble flooring. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Royal Villa of Durrës is a stately home located in Durrës, Albania. It was built in 1843–44 by Ahmed Pasha Toptani, the first Ottoman governor of Durrës and a great benefactor of the city. It is among the few examples remaining of neoclassical architecture in Albania. The building underwent several changes throughout its history. It was used as a residence for the Ottoman high organization and as a military barracks by the Italian Army during World War II. After the country regained its independence in 1913, the villa was used as a shelter for problematic families and the Durrës City Hall. In April 2014, the villa came under the ownership of the Municipality of Durrës and in February 2016, the conservation project of the Villa as well as of the surrounding park was completed. Today, the villa and its park are open to the public, featuring a restored entrance arch, a small fountain, a guardhouse, a multi-functional hall and eight interior sculptures with a total of 1,808 sq.m. This majestic building is advisable to visit if you ever find yourself in Durrës. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Royal Villa of Durrës is the oldest palace in the Balkan region, dating back to the mid-1st century AD. 2. It was originally constructed as the palace of the Roman Emperor Trajan in the city of Durrës, Albania. 3. The palace was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century and only its foundations remain today. 4. The site was discovered in the 1950s and has since been partially restored. 5. It is currently an open-air museum, exhibiting mosaics, frescoes, statues and other artifacts from the palace. 6. It is one of the few archaeological sites in Albania that is open to the public. 7. The palace grounds also feature a theatre, a museum, gardens and a cafeteria. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era