Butrint
Date of Inscription: 1992
Selection criteria: (III) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: Butrint is located on the southern coast of Albania, near the Greek border. It is an ancient city that has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans throughout its history. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning archaeological ruins and natural beauty.
Prominent Features: Butrint is a fascinating site to explore, with a range of ruins and historical artifacts that reflect its diverse past. The most prominent features of the site include:
Fun Fact: Butrint is that it is said to be the site where the mythical hero, Aeneas, landed after fleeing from the burning city of Troy in Homer's epic poem, The Aeneid. Legend has it that Aeneas and his men were welcomed by the queen of the local tribe and founded the city of Butrint.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Butrint varies depending on the season. In the summer months (April to October), the fee is 700 Albanian Lek (approximately 6 USD) for adults and 350 Albanian Lek (approximately 3 USD) for children. In the winter months (November to March), the fee is 400 Albanian Lek (approximately 3.5 USD) for adults and 200 Albanian Lek (approximately 1.7 USD) for children. There are also additional fees for guided tours and special exhibits.
How to Reach It: Butrint is located about 20 kilometers south of Saranda, which is one of the main tourist destinations on the Albanian Riviera. The easiest way to reach Butrint is by car or taxi, which can be hired in Saranda.
There are also several buses that run between Saranda and Butrint throughout the day. The buses depart from the main bus station in Saranda, which is located near the harbor. The journey to Butrint takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the buses make several stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.
The bus fare from Saranda to Butrint usually costs around 100-150 Albanian Lek per person, each way. However, the buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially during the peak tourist season in the summer months.
Alternatively, there are boat tours that depart from Saranda and take visitors to Butrint, which is a scenic way to reach the site.
Overall, Butrint is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or natural beauty. Its stunning ruins and beautiful surroundings make it a unique and memorable site to explore, and its location on the Albanian Riviera makes it a perfect addition to any trip to the region.
Selection criteria: (III) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: Butrint is located on the southern coast of Albania, near the Greek border. It is an ancient city that has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans throughout its history. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning archaeological ruins and natural beauty.
Prominent Features: Butrint is a fascinating site to explore, with a range of ruins and historical artifacts that reflect its diverse past. The most prominent features of the site include:
- The Ancient City Walls: These walls date back to the 4th century BC and were built by the Greeks. They are some of the best-preserved ancient walls in the region and provide a great view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
- The Amphitheater: This is a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that was built in the 2nd century AD. It has a seating capacity of 15,000 and is still used for performances and events.
- The Baptistery: This is a 6th-century AD Christian baptistery that was built on the site of a former Roman bathhouse. It is beautifully preserved and provides a glimpse into the religious history of the site.
- The Venetian Tower: This tower was built in the 15th century by the Venetians as part of their defense system. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the site and provides a great view of the surrounding area.
- The Lake: Butrint is located on a peninsula that is surrounded by a large freshwater lake. The lake is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species of birds.
Fun Fact: Butrint is that it is said to be the site where the mythical hero, Aeneas, landed after fleeing from the burning city of Troy in Homer's epic poem, The Aeneid. Legend has it that Aeneas and his men were welcomed by the queen of the local tribe and founded the city of Butrint.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Butrint varies depending on the season. In the summer months (April to October), the fee is 700 Albanian Lek (approximately 6 USD) for adults and 350 Albanian Lek (approximately 3 USD) for children. In the winter months (November to March), the fee is 400 Albanian Lek (approximately 3.5 USD) for adults and 200 Albanian Lek (approximately 1.7 USD) for children. There are also additional fees for guided tours and special exhibits.
How to Reach It: Butrint is located about 20 kilometers south of Saranda, which is one of the main tourist destinations on the Albanian Riviera. The easiest way to reach Butrint is by car or taxi, which can be hired in Saranda.
There are also several buses that run between Saranda and Butrint throughout the day. The buses depart from the main bus station in Saranda, which is located near the harbor. The journey to Butrint takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the buses make several stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.
The bus fare from Saranda to Butrint usually costs around 100-150 Albanian Lek per person, each way. However, the buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially during the peak tourist season in the summer months.
Alternatively, there are boat tours that depart from Saranda and take visitors to Butrint, which is a scenic way to reach the site.
Overall, Butrint is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or natural beauty. Its stunning ruins and beautiful surroundings make it a unique and memorable site to explore, and its location on the Albanian Riviera makes it a perfect addition to any trip to the region.