Butrinti is undoubtedly one of the most important tourist attractions of Albania.
T
he Archeological Park, which is inscribed in UNESCO and the National Park of Butrinti are located in the southern part of Albania. It is situated 18 km away from the coastal town of Saranda and in the south of Butrinti lake. The Channel of Viavari, which stems from the lake, links it with the Ionian Sea. In front of Butrint, you can see the Greek Island of Corfu. Butrint has a very good geographical position and is easily accessible by the visitors. Many international tourists, who come to Albania through the port of Saranda, visit also the ancient city of Butrinti. Butrinti is mentioned by the poet Virgil in his poem “Eneida“. According to him, the city was established by the Troyan Prince, Enea, during his trip from Troy to Rome. On his way, he stopped at this place and sacrificed a bull (BUTHROTOS). For the first time, it was mentioned by Hecate (IV century BC). The archeological site has an area of 15 hectares. The ruins of the ancient city are found in the middle of a typical Mediterranean, jungle, where you can see the laurels and other tall woods. Due to its biodiversity in the area where the ancient city of Butrint is located, the National Park of Butrinti is part of the RAMSAR international convention (since 2003).
BUTRINTI Archeological Park, 4th century BC
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In front of the archaeological site of Butrinti, on the other side of Vivari canal, there is a triangular castle, which served as customs point, while at the outlet of Vivari channel in the Ionian Sea, you will see the another fortress of Ali Pasha, which you can access by boat. The area near Butrint is actually a rich area in archaeological monuments. Another interesting site is also Çuka e Ajtoit, where tourists can also go trekking.
The main object to be visited in Butrinti is the theatre, which dates back to century IV. B.C. It has a capacity of 1500 visitors. You can also see the Baptiser with a colorful mosaic, which, along with the basilica, date back to VI century A.D. The Lion’s Gate and that of the lake, the walls and the Venetian castle of Ali Pasha, date back to century XIV -XVI and was rebuilt in 1930. The museum of
National Park of
BUTRINT An area of 29 hectares
Butrinti is also placed there. Some of the most interesting discoveries made there is a bust, which was discovered by a mission of the Italian archaeologist, Ugolini in 1928. He named the bust Dea. For many years, it was exhibited in the Italian museums. In 1981 it was brought back in Albania and since then, it is exhibited in the National Historical Museum in Tirana. The marble bust is now identified by the archeologists as the head of Apollo and is one of the symbols of antiquity in Albania.
Butrint National Park has an area of 29 hectares. It consists of a variety of natural habitats, including coastal lagoons, wetland, coastal, pastures, rivers and channels. The Park is home to a variety of birds, insects, amphibians, mammals and reptiles. There are about 90 species of birds. In winter, thousands of wintering birds migrate to the field of Vrina. Regarding the rarest species, the one that we can mention here is “the frog of Epirus” which is found only in this Park. The Lake of Butrint is known for growing of mussels, which has started in 1968. “Trekking paths” are offered for tourists in the Park. Such paths are Kalivose itinerary, the Lake of Butrint, the Lake of Bufi, the Mountain of Sotira.
Some of the most interesting discoveries made there is a bust, which was discovered by a mission of the Italian archaeologist, Ugolini in 1928. He named the bust Dea.