Commencing in 2005, the Durrës Chora Project conducted urgent archaeological investigations in the area between Cape Palla and Porta Romana, immediately north of modern Durrës. This areahas long been thought to be a part of the ancient Greek colony of Epidamnus. In the face of rapidly proceeding construction projects, most notably a bridge and pipeline development, the ICAA commissioned an environmental impact assessment that was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and the construction companies. The assessment revealed a rare and archaeologically valuable complex spanning more than three thousand years of human activity incorporating evidence for the foundation and subsequent development of ancient Epidamnus.
 In partnership with the Institute of Archaeology (Tirana) and Durrës Museum, the ICAA excavated three sites at Cape Palla. First, and most spectacularly, the ruins of an Archaic temple have been discovered with its roof and other associated structures found in situ. The temple appears to have formed part of a larger complex, perhaps within the emporium (trading centre) of Epidamnus. Secondly, lowlands adjacent to the Archaic temple were surveyed in 2006 and a previously unknown late Neolithic site was identified. Finally, two Hellenistic cemeteries were located by archaeological survey south of Porta Romana; unfortunately, both were severely damaged by recent illegal construction activity.
| Finds have been prolific from all the Durrës Chora Project sites, many of them of international importance; these will soon be displayed in Durrës Museum. Nevertheless, the serious depletion by unchecked construction development highlights the need for urgent governmental intervention if the archaeological riches of this fascinating historic landscape are to be preserved. |
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