Butrint

Butrint is a large ancient ruin located on the end of a peninsula a short drive south of Sarande. Legend states it was founded by Trojan exiles after the fall of that city; the first proof of habitation is from the 12th century B.C., soon after that.

Butrint also borders a strait from the Ionian Sea into Lake Butrint. There is no bridge, only a strange concrete platform that takes cars across. The Venetians built the castle pictured to control the strait.

The Venetian Tower lies at the entrance of Butrint. The Venetians bought Butrint and Corfu from Angevins in 1386; by this time Butrint was sparsely inhabited.

Wars in the 16th century between the Ottomans and Venetians further devastated the area. I wouldn't want to have to attack anyone up that staircase. The Venetians primarily used the area to fish until the fall of their empire in 1797, when the French gained the territory, and in 1799 the Ottomans finally conquered it.

Ruins in Butrint (ancient Bouthroton) are mostly from ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times.

The 5th century baptistery contains a famous mosaic, but it is covered with sand to preserve it.

Butrint entered decline in the 13th century when Normans, Byzantines, the Despotate of Epirus, Angevins, and Venetians all fought over the strategic city.

I'm pretty sure Indiana Jones is around here somewhere.

Lake Butrint is a peaceful lagoon. An aqueduct was built across it in Roman times to connect Butrint to mainland freshwater.

A hill lies in the center of Butrint, and the Venetians built a castle there.

A rare bust of Antinous, lover of Emperor Hadrian

The 4th century B.C. Greek theater

An inscription on the seating banks of the theater stating it was built thanks to donations to the Sanctuary of Asclepius next to it.

There are also inscriptions on the wall recording the freeing of slaves in honor of Asclepius.

Who knows what other ruins lie unearthed here?

Butrint is definitely worth a deliberate visit, and one of my favorite ancient ruins.