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.
Following many years of excavations and investment in site administration, the site and its museum make it an enormously tasty spot for a visit. The site location is definitely an attractive site with its monuments in thick woods, encircled by a marshy surroundings between Lake Butrint, an inland lagoon, and the busy straits isolating Corfu from Albania, regarded as environmental sanctuary rich 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 occupied since at least the eighth century B. C. One of the most renowned fables linked to the origin of Butrint talk of the city's foundation by Trojan exiles.
By the 4th century B. C a walled colony was founded and the town grew to be a magnificent cult site dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. The Roman Emperor Augustus set up a colony at Butrint and the city appears to have stayed a rather modest Roman port up until the 6th century Anno Domini.
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 start of the 1800s the site of Butrint had reduced to a miniscule fishing village clustered around a Venetian castle.
Admission to Butrint is 700 lek for foreigners and 200 lek for Albanians. Cost of admission includes admission to the museum situated in the castle on the hill, overlooking the whole park. Both the park and the museum are typically open 09:00 - 16:00 and tourist guides can be acquired in many foreign languages. Ask at the ticket booth to learn more.
Following many years of excavations and investment in site administration, the site and its museum make it an enormously tasty spot for a visit. The site location is definitely an attractive site with its monuments in thick woods, encircled by a marshy surroundings between Lake Butrint, an inland lagoon, and the busy straits isolating Corfu from Albania, regarded as environmental sanctuary rich 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 occupied since at least the eighth century B. C. One of the most renowned fables linked to the origin of Butrint talk of the city's foundation by Trojan exiles.
By the 4th century B. C a walled colony was founded and the town grew to be a magnificent cult site dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. The Roman Emperor Augustus set up a colony at Butrint and the city appears to have stayed a rather modest Roman port up until the 6th century Anno Domini.
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 start of the 1800s the site of Butrint had reduced to a miniscule fishing village clustered around a Venetian castle.
Admission to Butrint is 700 lek for foreigners and 200 lek for Albanians. Cost of admission includes admission to the museum situated in the castle on the hill, overlooking the whole park. Both the park and the museum are typically open 09:00 - 16:00 and tourist guides can be acquired in many foreign languages. Ask at the ticket booth to learn more.
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.
