Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by PowersToTravel
When we originally were planning our trip, we noted the several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Albania, and they became part of the required justification for our choice of Albania.
“Oh, Albania has several heritage sites, including several Roman ruins. It has so many ruins from so many periods of history.” Many times we had to defend our choice as those around us wondered why we would choose the seemingly unremarkable country.
“Albania? Isn’t that full of mobsters? Will you be safe?”
After our sunny and brilliant arrival in Saranda the day before, today dawned a bit overcast. By the time we had arrived in Butrint, not far from Saranda, the clouds were starting to move in.
It was such a luxury to wander about with our own private guide, instead of taking a large group tour. Butrint was a Roman retirement and recuperation resort for favored army veterans. As typical with all Roman locations, it was complete with agora and temples and baths. It had grown so much in popularity during the time of Emperor Augustus that it had extended in urban sprawl to the other side of the bay. I can’t remember why or how it declined. I’m sure in writing this post, I’ll look for informative links, and learn more. For the moment, I was so happy to wander the ruins, imagining the earlier life.
As at Apollonia, the ancient Roman ruins were built on former Greek settlements and later entwined with Byzantine. The site includes a Byzantine baptistery with a remarkable mosaic floor. Sadly, only once a year they clear the dirt/gravel protecting the mosaics to reveal the huge circular colorful mosaic. Unfortunately we were not there on that wonderful day. Albania as a poor country is struggling to maintain and enhance their cultural past. If they had been able to build a structure around the baptistry, and protect it from the elements, we would have been able to view it in all its glory. However, we had to satisfy ourselves looking at pictures in souvenir books, and the very fine sample magnets. I couldn’t even find a picture on the Internet from Creative Commons in order to use it in my post. I can only recommend you search for Butrint Mosaic and view someone else’s picture.
Diabetic Travel Tips
There is no food for purchase at the site. Be sure to pack what you need.
Related Links
National Geographic really good website on Albania and the Balkans
Check out this article of mine too:
Albania Travel Blog – Itinerary, Impressions and Diabetic Travel Tips
