Before traveling to Butrint, I knew little about the site, but was excited to explore a little-known location.   We climbed onto a bus from the harbor and took about a 30 minute drive. Along the way, we passed homes being built, beautiful lakes, clam farms in the distance, and beautiful scenery. We also saw evidence of Albania’s modern-day conflicts. Military pill boxes remain on some of the hill sides.

Once we arrived at the bus stop for Butrint, we were welcomed through the gate and were transported into the past. The tour began in front of a comprehensive map of the site and discussion of the growth of this ancient community. This unique location has been home to people from the prehistoric ages, through the Greek, Roman, and Venetian periods. Even though this place has been home for a multitude of different peoples, the first known written record of the location was from the Greek geographer,  Hecataeus, in the 6th Century while he was recording where trade routes though Buthrothum were located. It was such an important location, it was mentioned by other writers and helped warriors from the infamous battle of Troy.

With the importance of this location growing as human history marched forward, the location became a main center for peace negations, war counsels, theaters, and churches, leading to the requirement to enforce defensive structure such as walls and city access points. Romans took interest of the location due to the natural resources, and perfect harbor with access to the sea. A Roman colony was established in the area during the reign of Emperor Augustus. 

During the middle ages, this location remained an important location for the rulers of the day. Though some of the site’s power may have been lost, it was still a valuable location to many empires. It was a centerpiece of the conflict of the Byzantine Empire and the Norman state of 1081-1084. In 1386, Venice controlled Butrint and Corfu against the Republic of Genoa. Soon, as history has displayed, the city found itself under the armies of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1716, then the French in 1796. Butrint has witnessed the rise, fall, conquest, and defeat of many different peoples, and is a very special location.

From this vibrant and rich history a rare opportunity to explore much of human history can be explored from a single location. On site, visit the beautiful Lion’s Gate which once guarded an entry way into the city, a theater in great condition, a spectacular baptistery and basilica that no longer has a roof overhead, but has a stunning intact mosaic tile floor. This beautiful mosaic floor is very unique as it’s fully intact with the same bright colors that were originally placed there. This beautiful floor has been covered with sand to help keep it intact and preserved until further work can be done to move it to a more permanent location. As it is a valuable piece, and covered against the natural elements, postcards or pictures are available that display the majesty of the floor. On the hillside above, stand large castles for defense of the city and a great lookout for invaders; this single site covers an expanse of human history! All of these structures have been preserved in phenomenal condition for the age of the ruins. As you wander from site to site, a picture of how rich this location is, as well as its significance begins is revealed. Cultures from tribal people to Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and French once thrived here and have left their mark. Butrint is really beautiful and it is an opportunity to see a large piece the world’s history reveal itself in one place.