Ancient city of Butrint

The earliest findings in Butrint date between the 10th and 8th centuries BC, with the region already inhabited in the 12th century BC. Originally an Epirote city, populated by Illyrians and Greeks, it developed into a Hellenized center under the leadership of the Molossians in the 4th century BC, boasting magnificent structures such as a theater and a temple dedicated to Asclepius. In 228 BC, Butrint became a Roman protectorate, and from 167 BC, Roman influence became dominant. Gaius Julius Caesar declared the city a veteran colony in 49 BC, a plan later renewed by Emperor Augustus, leading to a doubling of the city's size and the construction of new quarters. In the 4th century, Butrint became an episcopal see but suffered extensive damage from an earthquake around 380. After a period of prosperity under Byzantine rule, a decline began with Slavic incursions in the 8th century. Over the centuries, the city was contested between Byzantines, Slavs, Normans, and the Angevins, before becoming Venetian, with interruptions, from the 14th century. In 1797, Butrint briefly fell to France and finally to Ali Pasha in 1799, remaining part of the Ottoman Empire until Albanian independence in 1912. Systematic exploration of the ruins began in 1928 by Italian archaeologists.

The ancient city of Butrint is located in Albania, in the Saranda district of the Vlora region, at an elevation of approximately 15 meters above sea level.

Today, the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint are accessible to visitors and can be explored, offering deep insights into the rich history of the region.

• Butrint Castle (Kalaja e Butrintit) (Castle), approx. 0.1 km away
• Triangular Castle of Butrint (Kalaja trekëndore) (Fortress), approx. 0.3 km away
• Ali Pasha Castle (Kalaja e Ali Pashë Tepelenës) (Fortress), approx. 2.5 km away
• Lëkurësi Castle Ruins (Kalaja e Lëkurësit) (Ruins), approx. 13.4 km away