Tour to the Apollonia archeological site

Today, we'll be visiting the archaeological site of Apollonia.
This archaeological site is the largest in Albania. It extends over 750 hectares around two hills about 100 m above sea level, and includes a museum, a medieval church and two restaurants. It houses the remains of Apollonia d'Illyrie, the most important of the thirty cities dedicated to Apollo in the Mediterranean region. It was founded around 588 BC by Greek settlers from Corcyra (Corfu) and Corinth (Peloponnese), who exploited deposits of naphtha, a crude oil used as fuel and to waterproof amphorae and ships.
On this day, we're going to take advantage of a walk around the monumental center of Agora, the air protection during the communist regime on the acropolis of the ancient city of Apollonia, the church of St. Mary and the museum.
While the site is pleasant, with explanatory panels in French and beautiful views over the Vjosa delta and the sea, the visit is a little disappointing, as many of the remains disappeared in 1967 when almost 400 bunkers were installed. However, several large buildings remain visible. To the left of the entrance stands the portico of the Bouleuterion, which once housed the city council (the boulè) and is also referred to as the monument to the Agonothetes. Erected in the 2nd century AD, it stands as a testament to the city’s governance. Directly opposite, the remains of a Roman odéon (covered theater) can be seen, with its seating arranged against the hillside. To the left, a row of 17 niches forms part of a stoa, a covered walkway.
We'll then follow a long route through the site (1h round-trip) to discover the poorly preserved theater, a vast 3,500 m2 palace known as the "House of Athena". Then, at the northernmost point, we will discover the nymphaeum, a monumental 3rd-century fountain that stands as the most imposing remnant of the site. Water cascaded down the hill in 35 tiers into a large basin adorned with a portico.

Return to Vlora.