The theatre
About 7,500 seats, one guide says.
Arianit — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arianit — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arbenllapashtica — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Arianit — CC BY-SA 4.0
Byllis was an ancient city and chief settlement of the Illyrian Bylliones, on a high hill at Hekal in Fier County, about 25 km from the sea. It became an archaeological park in 2003, and visitors come for the wide views over the Vjosa valley and its quiet ruins. Its massive walls went up around 350 BC, and it later took on the character of a Hellenistic town. The Romans sacked it after it allied against them, and it became a Roman colony in 30 BC. In late antiquity it was a bishopric, a period recalled by remains of churches and 6th-century mosaics. The site's finest feature is a theatre that one guide says held about 7,500 spectators, along with walls, gates and the columns of the public square. Over a hectare of mosaics is reported, but it lies under protective gravel, so do not expect to see it all. The views reach out to the mountains and river valley on every side. It is 22 km in a straight line from Vlorë and 26 km from Berat, and two hours is plenty. The site is exposed, so bring a hat and water in summer, and shoes for uneven ground. The hour before sunset is a favourite with many visitors. In winter it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, according to the official site.
About 7,500 seats, one guide says.
Massive stone blocks.
The river valley from the hill.
Hekal, Fier County, southern Albania
Much of them lie under protective gravel, so do not expect to see them all.
Yes, they share one park administration, and a day by car works well.