Apollonia Travel Guide

Travel to Apollonia - Ruined Corinthian City

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Archaeological investigations have revealed that for hundreds of years the Illyrian and Greek inhabitants of the site appear to have lived in separate communities. The economic prosperity of Apollonia grew on the basis of trade in slaves, and the local pastoral agriculture, with coins having been found as far as the Danube basin.

In the years from 214 BC onwards the city was involved in the war between the Illyrian Taulanti and Casander, the King of Macedonia. In 229 BC the city came under Roman control. In 148 BC it was integrated into the province of Macedonia.

For 200 years it was of central importance in the Roman effort to colonize the east and may have been an original terminus of the Egnatian Way. In the civil war between Pompey and Julius Caesar it was a vital stronghold for Caesar. In 45 and 44 BC Octavian (later to become the Emperor Augustus) studied for six months in Apollonia.

It was in Apollonia that Octavian heard the news of Julius Caesar’s death. Under the Roman Empire it remained a prosperous centre, but began to decline as the Vjosa River silted up and the coastline changed after the earthquake.

Attractions in Apollonia

Two significant structures remain at Apollonia – the façade of a Roman bouleuterion with its elegant columns and a small Roman theatre complete with original seats. Attached to the site near the entrance is a 13th century Byzantine monastery.

Relaxing

Follow the path up to the restaurant above the small amphitheatre for panoramic views out over the surrounding countryside and a refreshing drink.

Getting Around

The site is quite small and easily explored on foot.

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