Butrinti

• Address: Butrint, Albania (160 km south of Tirana)
• Phone: +3 (069) 243 66 89
• Website: www.expoaus.org
• Ticket price: 5 $
• Opening hours: 8.00 - 19.30

The Butrinti Archaeological Museum-Reserve in Albania is the oldest historical city built by the Greeks in the far sixth century BC. It became the most interesting and popular landmark of the state . A large number of tourists come to the excavations daily to appreciate the ancient style of architecture and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes.

Butrinti is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage - this fact and highlights the reserve, as the most important historical object of Albania. The reserve attracts many directors and cinematographers, who take pictures of themselves in the walls of the ancient city. In the ruins of the theater there are still performances and music concerts. Having visited Butrinti, you will be able to touch the centuries-old history, so do not miss such a chance. In order to study well and see every corner of the landmark, you will need an average of three hours.

History of the Archaeological Museum

Based on the manuscripts of Virgil, the ancient city of Butrinti in Albania was built by the Trojans. Unfortunately, this fact was not confirmed, but Albanians still consider themselves descendants of the glorious Troy. According to historical data, the town of Butrinti was built by the Greeks in the sixth century BC. Then he served as a colony for Corinth and Corfu. The city began to develop rather quickly and grow, he was nicknamed Boutron.

Captured by the Romans, it was built and according to Roman traditions, this is indicated by the exterior decoration of buildings. In 551 the glorious city was destroyed by the Visigoths, but afterwards it became part of the Byzantine province and acquired a new appearance. In the 14th century the city passed into the possession of the Venetian Republic. After the Turkish conquest in the 15th century Butrinti was abandoned and began to be filled with sand.

Butrinti was found in 1928 during an archaeological expedition led by the Italian scientist L. Ugolini. Before World War II, excavations and restoration of the ancient city were intensively conducted here. The result of this work you can appreciate when you visit the greatest archaeological site.

Butrinti these days

The ancient city of Butrinti in our time has become one of the valuable historical finds. Once inside it, you can walk through the remains of an ancient civilization, get acquainted with the main historical sites: the ruins of the acropolis and its walls with the Lion's Gate 5 - 4 centuries BC, the sanctuary of Asclepius with the statue of God and the ancient theater of the 19th century.

You will be able to visit the ruins of other buildings that served as public houses for local residents. The tour of the ancient city is very interesting and interesting. Try to arrive to this landmark as soon as possible, otherwise you will have to stand for a very long time in line for the ticket.

Helpful information

Butrinti Nature Reserve is located in the southern part of Albania, next to the Greek border on the shore of the lake of the same name. Near the reserve there is a village that also called Butrinti, and from the north side, 15 km away is the city of Saranda . In 1959, in connection with Khrushchev's visit, an asphalt road was laid out to the landmark, along which excursion buses now run. On the same route you can get by private car, and for the duration of the tour you can leave it at a paid parking near Butrinti.

To get public transport from Saranda is possible in 40 minutes, you should find a bus with the appropriate route at the main bus station of the city (sending every hour).

At the entrance to the reserve you will need to buy a ticket, the cost of it - 5 dollars. On the back of the ticket is a map of the city, where each path and street of the city is marked with signs, so you definitely will not get lost. The card is translated into 5 languages ​​of the world, so when buying a ticket, specify which one you need (English, Chinese, etc.).