Visit Butrint - From Gjirokastër

Butrint Albania: a short history

Butrint was founded by the Greeks who inhabited Epirus, the mountain region included in the current southern Albania territories and northwestern Greece. Epirus was very important in the history of the Illyrian civilization and in the 4th century BC, under the leadership of Pyrrhus, this people gave the Romans a hard time. The same Romans who settled here in the second century BC, when they conquered Illyria. After them came the Byzantines and the Slavs, who helped to draw the profile of the medieval Butrint. Until an earthquake forced the local population to abandon the site. Nature thus took possession of the ruins, which have come down to us in excellent condition. It was a team of Italian archaeologists, in the period from 1924 to 1931, to help bring them to light.

Starting the trip early in the morning, we'll head to Drino’s valley in our 4×4 vehicles to enjoy our off-the-beaten-path adventure. Among wild vegetation, breathtaking views, and remote villages we'll reach our lunch place, a traditional family restaurant among the mountains.

After lunch, we'll reach Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage.

Butrint Albania things to see

During our excursion, you will walk on foot into what was declared a museum city in 1961 and, since 1992, has been part of the national heritage of UNESCO protected monuments. Among the most interesting buildings, there is certainly the Greek/Roman theater, built in honor of Asclepius, the God of Medicine. But the real show is to walk on foot among the olive trees and the dense vegetation of the Butrint naturalistic site, which sometimes opens onto other ruins, giving us the idea of ​​the complex architectural and landscape system of the site. The museum inside the castle - a Venetian fortress, also houses important statues and remarkable mosaics. But the most beautiful mosaic is certainly the one brought to light by the Italian archaeologist Luigi Maria Ugolini inside the Roman baptistery of the sixth century. The Byzantine Basilica, with its circular plan, has a wonderful mosaic floor.

•Due to the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs. 

•This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchair. 

•In case of hot weather we suggest you to bring a cap with you