The ruined city of Apollonia is a 20 minute drive from the small Albanian town of Fieri and is certainly worth a stop when travelling en route between Tirana and the south. Although the site is not particularly extensive, the rural location is beautiful – set amongst hills and fields. It was founded by Corinthian colonists around 600 BC and at that time was a vibrant port. In the years from 214 BC onwards the city was involved in the war between the Illyrian Taulanti and Casander, the King of Macedonia. In 229 BC the city came under Roman control. In 148 BC it was integrated into the province of Macedonia.
Two significant structures remain at Apollonia – the façade of a Roman bouleuterion with its elegant columns and a small Roman theatre complete with original seats. Attached to the site near the entrance is a 13th century Byzantine monastery.