Last summer, some important ancient discoveries were made in Apollonia, where Albanian and French archeologists discovered two busts and a giant promenade
TIRANA, May 30 – The museum centre in the ancient archeological park of Apollonia, in southwestern Albania, is undergoing reconstruction to reopen after 20 years since the collapse of the country’s communist regime. Sources quoted by local media say the project to restore the museum centre, where some of the most important discoveries of Albania’s second largest archeological park will be put on display, is being funded by the Council of Europe. “It’s been 20 years since the museum of Apollonia has not been operational. The findings of this park are preserved in Tirana, Vlora and in the warehouse of this centre remaining out of the visitors’ view,” says archeologist Vangjel Dimo. The project includes the restoration of the ancient portico and the equipment of the new centre with contemporary security and lighting system. Last year, some statues displayed in the museum’s portico were taken away for safety reasons, following landslides and the collapse of some walls. Last summer, some important ancient discoveries were made in Apollonia, where Albanian and French archeologists discovered two busts and a giant promenade. Excavations in the Apollonia park began during World War I by Austrian archaeologists. The process continues, as it is believed that most of the city is still deep below Apollonia’s hills. Established in the 7th century B.C. by Greek settlers, the ancient city of Apollonia is located 11 km to the west of Fier. Among the most interesting monuments worth visiting are the Bouleterion (city council), the library, the triumphal arch, the temple of Artemis, the Odeon built in the 2nd century B.C., the two-story 77 m long Stoa, a theater with a capacity 10000 spectators, and the Nymphaeum, a monumental water fountain covering an area of 2000 square meters.
