Apollonia (https://apolloniaarchaeologicalpark.al)
The ancient city of Apollonia, in southwestern Albania on the right bank of the Vjosa river, was an ancient Greek colony city founded by a Greek colonist from Corfu and Corinth, led by Gylax, and former bishopric in Illyria. The fascinating landscape of the exceptionally preserved archeological park comprises a successful combination between the beauty of monuments and nature, attractive through its long history, in an atmosphere of relaxation and meditation.
The city lay in the territory of the political communion of the Taulantii and was broadly known as Apollonia of Illyria.
After its quick establishment the city changed its name to Apollonia, according to the powerful divinity Apollo. It stands on a hilly plateau from where expands the fertile plain of Musacchia with the Adriatic Sea and the hills of Mallakastra. The ruins of Apollonia are discovered in the beginning of the 19th century.
The city flourished during the 4th century AD as an important economic and trade center, given that its position on the right bank of the Aoos River (modern Vjosë) enabled its communication with the Adriatic Sea.
The fame of the city attracted many personalities of the largest empire of the ancient world as the eminent roman philosopher and orator Cicero, which noted Apollonia in his Philippics as magna urbs et gravis (a great and important city). During this period the city became one of the most important gateways of the trans-Balcanic Via Egnatia, while in its famous Academy has studied and underwent military training Octavianus, accompanied by Agrippas, the eminent general and statesman of the Roman Empire. After a long period of continuous economic and cultural development, Apollonia fell into decline until its total abandonment during the medieval period.
Within the walls of the Apollonia Park you will find the Monastery and the Church of St. Mary, which, along with the Archaeological Museum located inside the monastery, add another layer of history, architecture, and culture. The monastery complex of Apollonia is one of the best preserved in Albania, and it dates from the 13th century.
