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All Albania Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park

A scenic UNESCO site that doubles as a habitat for various forms of wildlife.

Butrint, Albania

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Johan SWE
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The Great Basilica.   Pudelek, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Venetian Tower.   Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Babtistery   Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Venetian Triangular Castle.   Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rope ferry to the Venetian Triangular Castle.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
View from the Venetian Acropolis Castle.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
The Asclepios Temple.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
Butrint National Park   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
Butrint National Park   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Butrint, located on the southern coast of Albania, is an ancient city that boasts a rich history and a unique blend of influences from various civilizations throughout the Mediterranean area.

The site was first settled by the Greeks in the 7th century BCE and then became part of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Over the centuries, Butrint was also influenced by the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. This mix of civilizations and diverse types of architecture makes Butrint an exceptional archaeological site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992.

What's truly special about Butrint is its well-preserved state, allowing visitors to witness the layers of history that have shaped the city. From temples, basilicas, and theaters to defensive walls and castles, there is a rich array of structures to explore. The ancient theater, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE, stands out particularly showcasing the fusion of Greek and Roman architectural styles.

Moreover, Butrint is not just a historical marvel, but also an ecological treasure. The hilly landscape within a protected area on the edge of Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel makes it a significant habitat for various bird species and other wildlife. Visitors who want to combine archaeological exploration with nature walks can find great opportunities in this national park, which covers almost 9,500 hectares.

Related Tags

Roman Wildlife Ruins

Know Before You Go

From outside the ferry terminal in central Sarandë, where the boats from the nearby Greek holiday island of Corfu arrive, there is a public bus to Butrint departing once an hour. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

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Added By

Johan SWE

Published

August 11, 2023

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  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butrint
  • https://www.visitsaranda.net/see/butrint-national-park
Butrint National Park
Butrint
Albania
39.744015, 20.019469
Visit Website

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Albania

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Photo of Albania

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Stories 3

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