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Temples & religious sites

Basilica of Saint Michael

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Basilica of Saint Michael

Basilica of Saint Michael

Located in the village of Arapaj near Durrës, this site contains the remains of an early Christian basilica dating from the 5th to 6th centuries. Visitors go here to see the excavated architectural foundations and the preserved Byzantine-era mosaics that floor the structure.

Getting There

The site is situated outside the main city center of Durrës. The most direct way to reach the basilica is by taxi or rental car. The drive from the center typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Visit Duration

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours exploring the ruins and viewing the mosaics.

When to Visit

The site is outdoors, so visiting during the spring or autumn is preferable to avoid the peak summer heat. Morning visits are recommended to avoid the strongest sunlight. It generally does not experience the same level of crowding as the main city attractions.

Combining with Other Sites

Because of its location, this site can be combined with other coastal or historical landmarks in the area:

  • Beach of Durrës: 1.7km
  • Plazhi i Golemit: 4.5km
  • Durrës Castle: 5km
  • Venetian Tower: 5km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Basilica of Saint Michael

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Basilica of Saint Michael Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Durrës 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Durrës grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Durrës 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Durrës grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Beach of Durrës

Nature

Beach of Durrës

Albania's largest and most visited beach, stretching over 10km along the Durrës coastline. Hotels line the shore, making it a great spot to relax.

1.7 km away
Plazhi i Golemit

Nature

Plazhi i Golemit

A sandy beach stretching along the coast south of Durrës, facing the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. It's a popular spot for travelers looking to swim and relax in summer.

4.5 km away
Durrës Castle

Castles & palaces

Durrës Castle

A fortress ruin encircling the old town of Durrës, first built in the late 5th century and repaired repeatedly through the medieval and modern periods. Walking along the walls, you can feel its long history.

5.0 km away
Venetian Tower

Views & landmarks

Venetian Tower

Part of the old city walls surrounding Durrës' old town, this tower was first built in the late 5th century. Repaired through the medieval and modern periods, it still stands today, offering a walk steeped in history.

5.0 km away
Concathedral of St. Lucia

Temples & religious sites

Concathedral of St. Lucia

A cathedral in an alley south of city hall, dedicated to Saint Lucy. It once served as the seat of the Diocese of Durrës and is now a co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës.

5.0 km away
Fatih Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Fatih Mosque

This mosque in Durrës was completed in 1502, the year after the Ottoman conquest of the region. It stands as a historic building recognized as part of Albania's cultural heritage.

5.1 km away