Discover the Mystique of Butrint National Archaeological Park

Beeing an UNESCO Heritage Site, Butrint National Park is truely amazing for any history buff. You can walk in nature, observe the different artefacts and structures, dating from the Iron Age up until the Middle Ages. The greeks and the romans took advantage of this amazing place, and i do recomend to reserve at leasta a half of day just to stroll around. It will be worth it!

A must once you are in Albania)Spacious free parking in front of the park but it is better to come as early as possible because later on it will be almost impossible to find the place to leave the car.The entrance fee is rather high (10 euros) but it is worth every penny.The territory is quite big but next to the museum there is a nice cafe with great views to have a rest in case you get tired. Butrint, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania, boasts a rich history and unique blend of Mediterranean influences. Here are some interesting facts: • Historical timeline The site has been inhabited since 50,000 BC, later becoming a Greek settlement in the 7th century BC, and subsequently coming under Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman control. • Strategic location Situated in southern Albania, about 18km south of Saranda, Butrint occupies a peninsula surrounded by Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel, close to the Greek border. The Vivari Channel connects the lake to the Ionian Sea. • Architectural diversity Butrint features a mix of structures including a Roman theatre, a late-antique baptistery, a great basilica, city walls, and two castles. The ancient theatre, dating back to the 3rd century BC, showcases Greek and Roman architectural styles. • Natural setting The ruins are part of a 29-sq-km national park with a complex ecosystem that depends on the nearby lake and channel. The park is home to over 1,200 different animal and plant species. • Lion Gate One of the city’s six entrances from the 4th century BC, the gate features a carving of a lion about to eat a bull, symbolizing the city’s inhabitants and their enemies. • Ali Pasha Castle Located on a small island at the mouth of the Vivari Channel, the castle is named after Ali Pasha of Ioannina, an Albanian Ottoman ruler. • Lord Rothschild’s Butrint Foundation This UK-based organization helps maintain the site.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Nice

Butrint is an ancient city ruins located in southern Albania, close to the Greek border. It has a long history, dating back to the 8th century BC. It was an important city in many civilizations including ancient Greece, Rome, Byzantium and Venice. Due to its rich historical and cultural heritage, Butrint was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Main historical stages: 1. Ancient Greek period: Butrint was originally a colony of ancient Greece and later became an important religious center, especially famous for the temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. 2. Roman period: After the occupation by the Romans, Butrint developed further and built theaters, baths, aqueducts and other facilities. 3. Byzantine period: During this period, Butrint became an important Christian center and churches and baptisteries were built. 4. Venetian Period: The Venetians built fortifications here to resist the invasion of the Ottoman Empire. Archaeological sites in Butrint include: ancient greek theater roman baths byzantine church venetian castle Ancient city walls and gates