All through the history, Durres was the most important city which linked West Europe with East. Between the 1st and 3rd centuries it was an important port and trading center on the Via Egnatia trading route between Rome and Byzantium. After a great number of earthquakes, much of ancient Durres sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently built over. You can visit the remains of the amphitheatre which is one of the biggest and most exquisite monuments that has survived from the ancient city. Today the city is well known for the nearby beach resort of Durres, its wonderful sand and warm sea water.