One of the most visited areas in Vlora, Orikum, is not only a seaside resort town but also an ancient Illyrian settlement, founded in the 6th century BCE in the lands of the Illyrian tribe of the Amants, on the hill known as Paleokastra.
It was mentioned by ancient authors in the 5th century BCE as an important port of the Adriatic. Currently, only a small percentage of this ancient city has been discovered, but archaeological excavations are still ongoing.
On the southern terrace, the ruins of a monopteros-type building have been discovered—an atypical square-shaped monument unique to the ancient world, dated to the 3rd–2nd century BCE.
One of the most monumental buildings discovered in Orikum is the theater, which dates back to the early 3rd century BCE and features some rare characteristics for ancient theaters.
Meanwhile, excavations over the past two years have uncovered fortification materials from late antiquity, including a tower from this period on the eastern terrace.
The rare combination of historical, architectural, and archaeological elements, along with the unique landscape of the lagoon, the sea, and the Karaburun Peninsula, makes this archaeological park one of the most attractive places to visit.
