The Circular Forumn (Macellum Byzantine Forum)

The Circular Forum in Durrës dates back to the 5th century and is attributed to Dyrrhachium-native Emperor Anastasius I Dicorus; it served as both a market and site for formal events for two centuries. The forum is considered among the best preserved in the city — it is recognized as one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania from the late Roman and early Byzantine eras. After fulfilling its function for two centuries, it was eventually converted into a cemetery in the 7th century.

The Circular Forum in Durrës is a well-preserved ancient ruin, featuring a 40-meter circular plaza surrounded by a colonnade of 40 Corinthian-style columns, only about a dozen of which remain standing — some in their entirety and others as fragments. Recent re-excavations suggest that the forum may have had a lengthier history than previously thought, with two or three Roman phases preceding Anastasius’ investment in the 5th century.

This suggests that the intervention of the 5th century may have been a renovation project of an already existing monument. The forum has only one clearly identifiable entrance, which is on the east side and connected to a passageway. At its center, there is a concrete core of a circular podium with steps. The rotunda is believed to be the base of a significant monument, possibly dedicated to an event or indicating the start of the Via Egnatia.

The paving and colonnade are made entirely of Proconnesian marble. The forum is known by multiple names, including Circular Forum, Byzantine Forum, and Macellum Forum, though the latter term is somewhat inaccurate. When the structure was first discovered, it was thought to be a market complex, but further examination showed that it lacked some typical features of a macellum. The circular plaza and rotunda suggest that the space was used for formal activities rather than just commerce.