Byllis Archaeological Park
Fier
Byllis Archaeological Park is the site of the ancient city of Byllis, the chief settlement of the Illyrian tribe of the Bylliones, located near Fier, Albania. Founded around 350 BC on a pre-existing proto-urban Illyrian hilltop, the city developed significant fortifications with massive walls enclosing an area of 30 hectares. Over time, Byllis evolved into a Hellenistic city with strong Greek cultural influences, evidenced by its bilingual population and receipt of sacred Greek envoys known as theoroi. During the Roman-Illyrian war, Byllis allied with Rome but was later sacked due to shifting alliances. It was reestablished as a Roman colony around 30 BC and flourished again, eventually becoming a bishopric in late antiquity. The archaeological park today offers visitors a glimpse into the urban planning, defensive architecture, and multicultural heritage of this historically important city in southern Illyria.
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Tip: The best time to visit Byllis Archaeological Park is between May and October when the site is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00. Entry is free on the last Sunday of each month and on several public holidays. Visitors are advised to book tickets online in advance to benefit from discounts available for students, pensioners, and groups. The site has limited opening hours during the winter season and is closed on Mondays from November to February. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended due to the outdoor nature of the ruins.
Interesting facts
- •The massive fortification walls of Byllis, built around 350 BC, stretch 2.25 kilometers and are 3.5 meters wide.
- •Byllis was one of the few Illyrian cities to receive theoroi, sacred envoys, indicating its Hellenistic cultural integration.
- •The city was sacked by the Romans after allying with Molossians and Macedonians despite initially supporting Rome in the Roman-Illyrian war.
- •Byllis became a Roman colony in 30 BC and later served as a bishopric in late antiquity.
- •The site is located about 25 kilometers from the sea and covers an area of approximately 30 hectares enclosed by fortification walls.
History
Byllis was founded circa 350 BC by the Illyrian tribe of the Bylliones on an already inhabited hilltop settlement.
In the mid-4th century BC, the city was fortified with massive walls built using isodomic ashlar masonry.
During the Hellenistic period, Byllis became culturally Hellenized and was recognized as a Greek city, receiving sacred envoys.
In the Roman-Illyrian war of 169-168 BC, the city sided with Rome but was later destroyed due to its alliances with Macedonians and Molossians.
After a period of decline, Byllis was reestablished as a Roman colony in 30 BC and later became a bishopric in late antiquity, marking its continued regional significance.
Place Guide
Fortification Walls350 BC
The massive defensive walls built in the mid-4th century BC are constructed from isodomic ashlar masonry. They stretch 2.25 kilometers around the hilltop, standing 3.5 meters wide, enclosing the ancient city and showcasing Illyrian military architecture.
Urban Settlement Area4th-2nd centuries BC
The archaeological remains include foundations of houses, public buildings, and streets laid out in a Hellenistic urban plan, reflecting the city's evolution from an Illyrian proto-urban center to a Hellenistic polis.
Sanctuary of Dodona Inscription4th century BC
An important 4th-century BC lead foil inscription found in the sanctuary of Dodona attests to the Bylliones and their religious practices, highlighting connections between Byllis and wider Greek religious traditions.
Contact
Phone: 069 215 8292
