Butrint, Albania — Ancient City and National Archaeological Park
The ancient city of Butrint is today the most popular cultural site in Albania, attracting the attention of tourists from all over the world.
Historical Background
Butrint is a National Archaeological Park and an ancient city. Its development spanned many centuries, beginning in the 8th century BC.
Long ago, the city was a port through which trade routes passed, and commerce flourished.
Today, city is a territory that contains remnants of valuable historical sites.
The ancient city preserves elements (structures) of several civilizations: Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman.
Butrint National Park
Today, city is recognized as a UNESCO “heritage” site and is one of four protected areas in Albania.
Since 2003, “Butrint National Park” has held the official status of a “wetland of international importance” under the Ramsar Convention.
It is home to about 800 plant species, 246 bird species, and 103 fish species.
City Map
Butrint is located on a peninsula that forms an island with a mountain in the center and a narrow isthmus.
Essentially, 9/10 of the coastline is a water boundary around Butrint, while only 1/10 is an isthmus.
It covers an area of 9,424.04 hectares.
Tourist Information
Opening days: All 7 days a week, no holidays.
Opening hours: from 09:00 to 19:00.
Ticket prices:
- Individuals: 1,000 lek (approximately 10 euros).
- Group visits: 800 lek.
- Albanian students: 300 lek.
- Albanian pensioners: 500 lek.
- Children aged 12 to 18: 500 lek.
- Children under 12: free.
For more information, visit the official Butrint website: https://www.butrint.al/
Today, Butrint is the most visited cultural site in the Republic of Albania.
Landmarks
- Venetian Tower: Right at the entrance stands the Venetian Tower, built in the 16th century to control the channel.
- Sanctuary of Asclepius: Above the theater is a sanctuary dedicated to the god Asclepius, built in the 4th century BC.
- Great Basilica: Further on is the Great Basilica (Latin: Basilica Major), an early Christian religious structure.
- Note: A basilica is a title in the Catholic religion assigned to a church by the Pope based on its significance and merits.
- Baptistery: Next is the baptistery with a mosaic floor, dating back to the 6th century AD.
- Note: A baptistery (Latin: baptisterium – “I bathe, I baptize”) is a bathhouse in a separate building where children were baptized.
- Lion’s Gate: Along the shore runs a fortress wall with medieval gates featuring a lion’s profile. The entrance height is about 1.2 meters, requiring visitors to bend down.
- Panoramic Views of Lake Butrint: From the fortress walls, there are excellent views of Lake Butrint. Tourists enjoy watching exotic fish. The fish are unafraid of people and swim near the surface.
- Acropolis: At the top of the hill is the acropolis with a museum in the main tower. The acropolis has construction elements dating back to the 8th century BC.
- Ancient Theater: On the way to the top of Butrint is the theater, built in the 3rd century BC and later rebuilt in the Roman style.
How to Get There
Saranda-Butrint Bus Route
A regular bus runs from Saranda through Ksamil to Butrint and back.
There are several stops in Saranda where you can board this bus. The route runs along the coast through Ksamil to Butrint.
- First departure from Saranda: 05:30 AM.
- Last departure from Butrint: 21:30 PM in the peak season.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Ticket price (Saranda-Butrint): 150 lek.
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes (depending on where you board the bus).
Check the exact schedule with the driver.
In the off-season, the schedule is different: longer intervals and fewer trips. The first and last trips may be unavailable.
Tip: If you have doubts about transportation, ask the locals or the driver.
Bus Stop in Butrint
100 meters from city, there is a spacious bus parking lot near the Livia restaurant.
Buses to Saranda via Ksamil depart from here.
Where to Eat or Have a Beer
Looking for a place to eat or have a beer?
Near the bus parking lot, there is a hotel, bar, and restaurant called Livia.
Livia offers a range of services.
For example, the summer bar outside serves fresh beer and sells ice cream.
Restaurant (Bar) Livia
Around the restaurant is a spacious courtyard with tables.
You can sit inside the premises or outside under the shade of huge trees.
A bar serving drinks is located in the courtyard.
- Price for a large mug of beer: 450 lek.
- Price for a small mug of beer: 200 lek.
Butrint – The Museum City
A Cautionary Tale of an Ancient City
Today, the ancient city attracts tourists from all over the world.
Its history is a cautionary tale for future generations.
When the city was on the only trade route, with a continuous flow of merchant ships, it thrived and developed.
Later, the trade route through Butrint disappeared. The city gradually declined, turning into ruins and remnants.
High Tourist Traffic Today
Such is history: life flourishes where there is interest and movement.
As soon as interest fades, life begins to die. Decline sets in, and a once-prosperous city crumbles into dust.
When interest reappears, life revives, growth and prosperity return.
Today, ancient city is full of tourists, and interest in it is growing day by day.
Shorts
Date: September 05, 2024. Butrint National Park in Albania.
Watch the video, like and subscribe to my YouTube channel Life in Albania.
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- ✅ Discover nature and cities.
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- ✅ Hike the mountain trails and coastal paths.
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