Butrint, Albania – The Ancient City of Echoes and History

Butrint is maybe the most beautiful and important ancient city in Albania. Along the southern Albanian coastline, it is only a few kilometers from the Saranda city and immediately opposite the Greek island of Corfu, across the Corfu strait. The site whispers of centuries of history. It was initially a Greek colony, later a Roman city, and then a Byzantine and Venetian fortress. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ruins, myths, and nature. Butrint is not only an archaeological site. It is where history and nature come face-to-face. It is located within a national park of wetlands, woods, hills, and a lagoon. To walk through Butrint is to step into a time machine — each path, wall, and stone is telling a story. The region provides proof of many civilizations, beginning with ancient Greeks and Romans to Byzantines and Venetians. To travelers, it is a cultural treasure as well as a peaceful escape into nature. Butrint is 18 kilometers south of Saranda, a popular tourist city on the Ionian Sea. It is also close to the Greek border, making it an easy place to visit from both Greece and Albania. Butrint, Albania

The History of Butrint

The history of Butrint begins more than 2,500 years ago. Its past is divisible into a series of important periods — Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian. Let us pass through each of them.

The Greek Period

It is said that Butrint was founded by Trojans who had fled after the fall of Troy. Butrint has been mentioned by ancient Greek poet Virgil in his famous book The Aeneid. He wrote that Aeneas, the Trojan hero, had gone through Butrint on his journey to Italy. This myth added magic to the history of the city. Historically, Butrint was first settled by the Greeks from Corfu in the 8th century BCE. It was part of the ancient Greek world and shared a close cultural bond with Corfu island (Greek: Korkyra). It became a commercial center between Illyria and Greece. In this period, Butrint constructed its acropolis, theater, and temples. People visited the well-known Temple of Asclepius, the Greek deity of medicine, from distant places. They prayed there for healing and health. Thus, Butrint became a religious and cultural center.

The Roman Period

In the 2nd century BCE, Butrint was captured by the Romans. It became part of the Roman province of Epirus. Under the Romans, the city grew and flourished. Roads, public baths, fountains, and aqueducts were built. The theatre was extended, and new villas appeared. Perhaps the most beautiful of the Roman ruins at Butrint is the Roman Forum, where social and political life took place. Another tourist attraction is the Roman villa with mosaics, with dolphins, fish, and mythological creatures. Being close to the sea and along trade routes, Butrint was strategically important for the Roman Empire. Yet, as the centuries passed, earthquakes and marshes progressively thinned its population.

The Byzantine Period

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Butrint was absorbed into the Byzantine Empire. Christianity pervaded the region during this period. Basilicas and churches were built over the original Roman structures. The best known among them is the Great Basilica, built in the 6th century CE. Its mosaic floor, which shows birds, animals, and geometric motifs, is one of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the Balkans. The Byzantine walls and gates also date from this time. Among the symbols of Butrint is the Lion Gate, which features a carved lion eating a bull. It was both an ornament as well as a symbol of protection.

The Venetian Period

The Ottoman and Modern Periods

Main Attractions Inside Butrint

During the 14th century, Butrint came under Venetian rule. The Venetians built fortifications and towers to guard the area against pirates and the Ottoman Turks. They also controlled the salt trade from the nearby lagoon. At this period, Butrint was less populated but remained significant in terms of regional defense. The Venetian Castle, situated on the top of the hill, provides a great view of the ruins and the lagoon below it. It currently serves as the Butrint Museum, which showcases artifacts from all periods of history.
The Ottoman and Modern Periods
Butrint fell under Ottoman control then. But the city was not significant anymore. The population had almost moved to nearby towns such as Saranda. Archaeologists began seriously considering Butrint in the 20th century. Archaeological digs revealed its hidden past — temples, theaters, villas, and mosaics. UNESCO in 1992 declared Butrint as a World Heritage Site to save its cultural and historical value. It is currently included in the Butrint National Park, which maintains the site and the surrounding natural landscape.
Main Attractions Within Butrint
Butrint contains a plethora of incredible monuments and breathtaking landscapes. Among the prominent attractions that can be seen are mentioned below.
The Ancient Theater
The most well-preserved edifice is the Theatre of Butrint. It was built during the 3rd century BCE and then expanded by the Romans. The theatre could seat around 1,500 people. Plays and rituals were performed here in ancient times. Today, it is used for celebrations and cultural events.
The Temple of Asclepius
Located near the theater, the Temple of Asclepius was a healing temple of very ancient times. Pilgrims would go to the temple and pray, sacrificing to the god of medicine. Archaeologists found hundreds of votive tablets with inscriptions from people asking for cures.
The Lion Gate
The Lion Gate is one of the most famous gates into the ancient city. The stone relief of a lion attacking a bull symbolizes protection and power. It’s a perfect spot for taking photos and feeling the ambiance of the ancient times.
The Roman Forum and Baths
The Forum was the hub of public activity in Roman Butrint. Shops, temples, and administrative complexes were situated around it. People can identify the Roman baths close by, which still yield evidence of the remnants of heating systems and pools.
The Great Basilica
The Great Basilica is a gorgeous early Christian artwork. It was built in the 6th century and has three naves separated by marble columns. Its elaborate mosaic floor is one of the most gorgeous ones in the Balkans. The motifs include crosses, flora, and fauna.
The Venetian Tower and Castle
Perched at the top of the hill is the Venetian Castle. It offers a stunning view of Butrint, the Vivari Channel, and the lagoon surrounding it. Inside, the Butrint Museum houses statues, coins, pottery, and tools unearthed during excavation. It helps to elucidate the ancient history of the site.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery of Butrint is an extremely ancient Christian monument. It’s circular in shape with a beautiful mosaic floor that illustrates flowers and peacocks. It was used for the ceremony of baptism during the Byzantine era.
The Vivari Channel
The Vivari Channel connects Lake Butrint with the Ionian Sea. In the past, it was important for ancient defense and trade. The location is beautified today by adding the beauty factor as it reflects the ruins and flora in its tranquil water.

Natural Beauty Around Butrint

Butrint is not only famous for its archaeological remains but also for its natural world. The Butrint National Park consists of around 9,000 hectares of protected land and water. It has hills, forests, wetlands, and lagoons. There are many birds, fish, and plants found within the park. Tourists may walk along the wooden paths, boat on the lagoon, or bird-watch. Birds like pelicans, herons, and flamingos can easily be seen around the water. The blend of nature and history distinguishes Butrint from being a sole archaeological site in Europe.

Surrounding Places and Attractions

Besides enjoying the ruins of Butrint, there is also a chance to experience the beautiful region around it. The Albanian Riviera, which is the Albanian southern coastal line, is full of beaches, islands, mountains, and charming towns.
Saranda – The Coastal Jewel
The nearest town to Butrint is Saranda, which is just 18 kilometers away. It is a working seaside town and one of the top tourist resorts in Albania. The city sits in a horseshoe-shaped turquoise bay with white sand beaches. Some activities include swimming, diving, or walking along the palm-lined Saranda Promenade with cafes. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops selling local seafood and Albanian wines. During the evening, the city lights reflect beautifully in the sea, providing a romantic ambiance. Saranda is also utilized as the gateway to Corfu, with a ferry service on a daily basis.
Ksamil Islands
The short drive from Butrint is to Ksamil, a small resort town famous for crystal water and tiny islands. It is possible to reach the Ksamil Islands by swimming or on a short boat ride. The beaches are white and sandy, and the sea is great for snorkeling. Ksamil is found within the Butrint National Park, guarding its natural environment. It becomes a vibrant resort town in the summer, featuring sun loungers, cafes, and beach bars. It’s one of Albania’s best-photographed locations.
Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
About 22 kilometers north of Butrint, tourists can witness the Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër in Albanian. It is a highly deep natural spring where blue water surfaces from the ground. In the center, it is like a blue-colored eye surrounded by green vegetation. The depth of the spring is unknown, but it has been explored more than 50 meters by scuba diving. Blue Eye is a peaceful place to walk, photograph, or have a picnic. The color of the water changes based on sunlight, and it becomes magical.
Lëkurësi Castle
Overlooking the Saranda, Lëkurësi Castle gives one an amazing view of the bay and the Ionian Sea. It was built in the 16th century by the Ottomans as a means to conquer the coast. Today, it is a restaurant where visitors get to enjoy Albanian dishes while watching the sunset. One is able to see Corfu Island, Saranda town, and even half of Butrint Lagoon from the castle.
Corfu, Greece
On the opposite side of the sea from Butrint is Greek island Corfu. It is reachable from Saranda in about 30 minutes by boat. Corfu is famous for its old town (UNESCO site), beach, and Venetian architecture. Most tourists schedule a visit to Butrint along with a trip to Corfu, enjoying Albanian and Greek cultures in a single trip.
Phoenice Archaeological Park
About 20 kilometers from Butrint lies Phoenice (Finiq), another important ancient city of Epirus. It is a 5th-century-BCE city and the old capital of the Chaonian tribe. The site has ruins of city walls, towers, and temples. Phoenice is less crowded than Butrint, offering a peaceful and enlightening visit for history buffs.
The Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera extends north from Saranda to Vlora. It is renowned for its clear water, remote coves, and sheer cliffs. Himara, Dhermi, and Qeparo villages attract visitors with beaches and old stone houses. The coastal highway is a pleasure to drive along with splendid views of the Ionian Sea. There is a new bay or mountain summit around each corner.
Lake Butrint and Vivari Lagoon
Next to the archaeological site is Lake Butrint, a peaceful lagoon lined by forests. It is a conservation site, home to fish, birds, and small mammals. Visitors can take boat rides to access the lake and see ancient ruins from the water. The Vivari Channel connects the lake to the sea, and its banks are lined with flowers and reeds. Fishermen are normally seen coming ashore laden with eels and other local species.
Borsh Beach
North of this is Borsh Beach, the Albanian Riviera’s longest sand beach. It is serene and untainted, with the olive trees in the distance. The nearby Borsh Castle, which was built during the Middle Ages, sits on top of a tall hill and provides one with a great view of the coastline.
Qeparo Village
Qeparo is a ancient sea village. It is divided into two parts — the old one on the hill and the new one on the seashore. The old one still keeps its stone houses, narrow streets, and olive trees. Time seems to have stopped there.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best time of visiting Butrint is during April and October. The weather is pleasant, and the ruins are surrounded by green flowers and trees.
How to Get There: Most visitors come from Saranda in their own cars or taxis, while others take guided tours. There are also buses connecting the two points.
Tickets: The price of the ticket is affordable and provides access to the museum as well as the ruins.
Bring Water and Hats: Summers are hot, and shade is limited in some parts of the site. Photography: Butrint is a photographer’s paradise. Best light is early morning or late afternoon.

Conclusion

Butrint is a mystical site where the past and the present exist. Its remains are filled with tales of kings, heroes, and civilizations that once resided on this land. Situated amidst lagoons, forests, and the sea, it is a location that appeals to both mind and heart. All of its ancient streets are walked by the visitors who listen to the breath of history — from the Greeks to Romans, from Byzantines to Venetians. Added to the surrounding beauty of Saranda, Ksamil, and the Blue Eye, Butrint is one of the most memorable tourism experiences in Albania. It is not just a place of stone and walls — it is an alive museum where time stops and nature safeguards history.