Roman amphitheatre of Durrës

The Amphitheatre of Durres is an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the center of the Albanian port city of Durres, built in the 2nd century under Emperor Trajan. With seating for at least 16,000 spectators it is the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans. The structure was only rediscovered in 1966 when a local farmer struck ancient stones while planting his garden; about half of it still lies buried under modern houses. Inside is a rare 5th-century early Christian chapel with gilded wall mosaics that once marked the martyrdom site of early Christians. Visitors descend by stairs into the oval and stand directly under the surviving arcades. The chapel with its original mosaics is also open to the public.