Butrint (or Butrinti) is a UNESCO Global Heritage Site in south-west Albania. Strategically located on the Straits of Corfu, and encompassed by an interesting lagoon, it is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Adriatic Sea region.
Right after numerous years of excavations and financial commitment in site management, the site and its museum ensure it is a very attractive place to a visit. The site setting is undeniably an engaging site with its ancient monuments in dense woodland, surrounded by a marshy landscape between Lake Butrint, an inland lagoon, and the busy straits separating Corfu from Albania, considered to be environmental shelter abundant in birdlife.
Even those not enthused about archaeology will find it almost impossible not to like this place. An accidental traveler will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, the smell of the eucalyptus woods, and the crickets chirping between the ruins. The site is reasonably complex, with monuments dating from a spread of periods covering 2500 years.When walking through the ruins, it is hard to picture the different forms this city has taken, and the differing fortunes of the inhabitants through the generations.
The site has been populated since perhaps the eighth century Bc. One of the most famed parables linked to the origins of Butrint speak of the city's foundation by Trojan exiles.
By the 4th century Bc a walled village was established and the city grew to be an impressive cult site devoted to Asclepius, the Greek god of medication and healing. The Roman Emperor Augustus founded a colony at Butrint and the town seems to have stayed a slightly modest Roman port up till the 6th century A. D.
Its successive medieval history was turbulent as the town was for ages involved in the power struggles between Byzantium and successive Norman, Angevin and Venetian states, and then in the struggle between Venice and the Ottoman Turks.
By the beginning of the 1800s the site of Butrint had diminished to a tiny fishing hamlet grouped around a Venetian castle.
Entrance to Butrint is 700 lek for foreigners and 200 lek for Albanians. Price of admission includes entry to the museum located in the castle on the hill, looking over the entire park. Both the park and the museum are usually open 09:00 - 16:00 and traveller guides can be purchased in several foreign languages. Ask at the ticket booth for more information.
Right after numerous years of excavations and financial commitment in site management, the site and its museum ensure it is a very attractive place to a visit. The site setting is undeniably an engaging site with its ancient monuments in dense woodland, surrounded by a marshy landscape between Lake Butrint, an inland lagoon, and the busy straits separating Corfu from Albania, considered to be environmental shelter abundant in birdlife.
Even those not enthused about archaeology will find it almost impossible not to like this place. An accidental traveler will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, the smell of the eucalyptus woods, and the crickets chirping between the ruins. The site is reasonably complex, with monuments dating from a spread of periods covering 2500 years.When walking through the ruins, it is hard to picture the different forms this city has taken, and the differing fortunes of the inhabitants through the generations.
The site has been populated since perhaps the eighth century Bc. One of the most famed parables linked to the origins of Butrint speak of the city's foundation by Trojan exiles.
By the 4th century Bc a walled village was established and the city grew to be an impressive cult site devoted to Asclepius, the Greek god of medication and healing. The Roman Emperor Augustus founded a colony at Butrint and the town seems to have stayed a slightly modest Roman port up till the 6th century A. D.
Its successive medieval history was turbulent as the town was for ages involved in the power struggles between Byzantium and successive Norman, Angevin and Venetian states, and then in the struggle between Venice and the Ottoman Turks.
By the beginning of the 1800s the site of Butrint had diminished to a tiny fishing hamlet grouped around a Venetian castle.
Entrance to Butrint is 700 lek for foreigners and 200 lek for Albanians. Price of admission includes entry to the museum located in the castle on the hill, looking over the entire park. Both the park and the museum are usually open 09:00 - 16:00 and traveller guides can be purchased in several foreign languages. Ask at the ticket booth for more information.
About the Author:
A short ferry or hydrofoil excursion from Corfu will take you to the port of Saranda in the Albanian Riviera, from which you will be able to get to Butrint, 20 km to south, by either coach or minicab.
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