Ancient city of Apollonia

Apollonia was founded in 588 BC by Doric settlers from Corfu and Corinth. As early as 480 BC, the city sent a contingent to the Battle of Salamis. In the 5th century BC, Apollonia successfully asserted itself against the Amantians and, in 436 BC, supported the democrats in Epidamnus. The city was involved in military conflicts with Illyrians and Macedonians but gained full autonomy in 312 BC. From 229 BC, Apollonia was under Roman protection and served as an important base in the wars against Macedonia. In the 1st century BC, prominent Romans such as Sulla, Cicero, and the later emperor Augustus visited the city. Apollonia was declared a free city and experienced a period of prosperity until an earthquake in the 4th century AD changed the course of the river and caused the harbor to silt up. In the 9th century, the Monastery of Shën Meri was founded within the ruins, with its church built in the 14th century. Since the 15th century, the site has been rediscovered and archaeologically explored.

The ruin site of Apollonia is located in Albania, in the Fier district, approximately 75 meters above sea level. It is situated on a hill, about one kilometer north of the Vjosa River, which flows into the Adriatic Sea.

The ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia are now accessible to visitors. Archaeological finds recovered during excavations are exhibited in the Monastery of Shën Meri, which is located within the ruins.

• Ardenica Monastery (Manastiri i Ardenicës) (Sacred building), approx. 14.8 km away
• Margëlliç Castle (Kalaja e Margëlliçit) (Ruin), approx. 17.3 km away
• Ancient City of Byllis (Ancient buildings), approx. 30.1 km away
• Kaninë Castle Ruin (Kalaja e Kaninës) (Ruin), approx. 31.1 km away