Butrint
A layered city in a wetland landscape with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian remains including a theatre, baptistery, basilica, walls, and gates.
Photo: Geoff Wong · CC BY 2.0
- Country
- Albania
- Region
- Vlorë County
- Civilisation
- Greek-Roman-Byzantine
- Period
- 8th century BCE–Middle Ages
- UNESCO
- World Heritage ↗
Through time
The story
Butrint was an ancient Greek polis and later Roman city and the seat of an early Christian bishopric in Epirus. Originally a settlement of the Greek tribe of the Chaonians, it later became part of the state of Epirus and later a Roman colonia and a Byzantine bishopric. It entered into decline in Late Antiquity, before being abandoned during the Middle Ages after a major earthquake flooded most of the city. In modern times it is an archeological site in Vlorë County, Albania, some 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) south of Sarandë, close to the Greek border.
It is located on a hill overlooking the Vivari Channel and is part of the Butrint National Park. Today, Bouthrotum is a Latin Catholic titular see and also features the Ali Pasha Castle.
The city is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. On the strength of the immense wealth of cultural, historical and natural value with a considerable history, Butrint was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and further a National Park in 2000 under the leadership of Auron Tare, its first director.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Ancient Theatre
- Baptistery
- Lion Gate
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Butrint
No discoveries yet. Be the first to share a photo from here.
