| Duration: | 7 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Butrint is an archaeological site that provides valuable evidence of ancient and medieval civilizations on the territory of modern Albania.
Butrint harbors some of the most extensive archaeological remains in the Balkans: Greek, Illyrian, Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman ruins co-exist here on a tiny green peninsula between a lake and the Straits of Corfu. The most illustrious parts of the rich Butrint archeological site are the Temple of Asklepios, the Old Amphitheater, Nymphaeum, and the Baptistery, with its intact mosaic pavement dating to the early sixth century.
The Butrint amphitheater, dating from the 3rd century BC is situated at the foot of the acropolis, close by two temples, one of which is dedicated to Asclepios, the Greek god of medicine. The Balkan Theater Festival is held every July at the Butrint amphitheater. The sprawling Butrint fortress of the notorious Ali Pasha is practically surrounded by water, the castle on top housing an excellent museum, high above hollow shells of the ages. At Butrint the only tourists seen are day-trippers from Corfu. The present archaeological site of Butrint is a repository of the ruins representing each period in the Butrint city's development.
The Butrint National Park has been established in 2000 by the Albanian Government and supported with substantial funds from the Government, UNESCO, and other institutions. The limits of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint were expanded in 1999 to include not only the walled city from the Greek, Roman, and Medieval periods (approximately 16 ha), but an additional 184 ha to better protect the site.
HOW TO GET TO BUTRINT
By Car: Getting to Butrint is incredibly easy. If you have a car then you can drive here, there’s a big parking lot next to Butrint. You just follow the road that goes from Saranda to Ksamil. When you will pass Ksamil and just keep driving until the road ends, that’s Butrint! The ride takes about 20-30 minutes.
By Bus: There’s a bus which leaves every hour from Saranda (and goes through Ksamil too). The bus costs 100 leks (subject to change) from Saranda and will take you to the door of Butrint. From Saranda, the bus leaves from the small roundabout near the old fruit and vegetable market, or you can also catch it from the center at the bus stop that’s opposite the ruins and friendship park.
By Taxi: There will be taxi drivers that can take you to Butrint easily for around 10 euros each way (about 1300 LEK). (Prices may change)
