Durres is the most important port in Albania and has a population of more than 200,000. It lies at the shores of the Adriatic Sea, around 40 kilometres to the West of Tirana. Many Italian-style houses built during the first half of the 20th century still dominate the city centre. A villa that used to be the summer residence of King Ahmed Zogu sits enthroned on a hill overlooking the city. The most important sight in Durrës is the amphitheatre, which was only rediscovered by accident in the 20th century during the construction of a wine cellar. Durrës Plazh, situated a little to the South of the city, is one of the most popular bathing resorts in Albania.
