The Royal Residence in Durrës was originally conceived in 1925 as a presidential residence and a representative state villa. To meet the requirements of a prestigious building, it was decided to build it on a hill offering one of the most impressive views of the Bay of Durrës. After the proclamation of the Albanian monarchy and the coronation of Ahmet Zog as King of the Albanians in 1928, it was given the name "Royal Summer Residence." Construction began in 1926 and was completed in 1937, a few months before King Zog's wedding to Queen Géraldine Apponyi de Nagyappony on April 27, 1938. Before the final design by architect Florestano di Fausto, three further versions were proposed by architects Armando Brasini, Hans Köhler, and Kristo Sotiri. According to some sources, the construction of the residence was a gift to the king from the Durrës business community. Other sources assume that the funding was provided by the Italian government as a symbolic gesture to strengthen relations between Italy and Albania. Source: Sign on the building The LP can be visited; admission costs 3 euros.
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