- The Remains of the Greco-Roman city of Butrint is in Butrint National Park.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Vlore County of Albania, opposite the Greek island of Corfu.
History
- It began as a Greek trading colony founded in 8th century BCE.
- Butrint is built around a hill overlooking the Vivari Channel, which leads from the Straits of Corfu into Lake Butrint.
- It became Buthrotum in 44 BCE when Julius Caesar made it a Roman colony.
- In 31 BCE, Augustus made it the capital of the Province of Epirus and rebuilt the city after the Battle of Actium (31 BCE).
- During the Middle Ages the city was Lost due to flooding caused by an earthquake.
- Eexcavations started under Mussolini between 1928 until 1943. In 1944, The Albanian Communist Government came to power and continued the excavations under Enver Hoxha.
Butrint National Park
- The Ruins and their surroundings are part of Butrint National Park.
- It is located near the modern port of Saranda in Albania, opposite Corfu.
- The Park can be reached either by Ferry from the Greek island of Corfu, or by Coach from Tirana in Albania.
Ancient Greek Sites
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- The Sanctuary
- The Temple of Asclepius
Roman Sites
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- Defensive Wall
- Lion Gate
- Scaean Gate
- Theatre
- Roman Baths with Mosaic
- The Forum
- Roman Palace
- The Nymphaeum
- The Gymnaseum
- The Great Basilica
- There are many other buildings, houses and villas.
Museums
- Venetian Castle Archaeological Museum
- Located inside the Venetian Castle in Butrint National Park.
- The museum holds a Collection of Artefacts, Sculptures and Mosaics and describes the history of Ancient Butrint.
Butrint National Park