Overview:

: Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern part of Albania. It is one of the most important archaeological and cultural sites in the world, boasting many ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Butrint is located on Lake Butrint and is home to a range of monuments, including Greek and Roman temples, a basilica, towers, early Christian churches, and a 4th-century triumphal arch. The park also features nature trails, a Petrified Forest, a marsh, and over 600 species of plants. Visitors to Butrint can also swim and canoe in the lake or take a boat trip to the nearby Greektowns of Karavasta and Vouthonas. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Butrint National Park is one of Albania's three UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located in the southern part of the country bordering both Greece and the Adriatic Sea. 2. Ancient City of Butrint: The ancient city of Butrint, which dates back to the 6th Century BC, forms the core of the park, and features a variety of Greek and Roman ruins, including a well-preserved theater and baths. 3. Rich Biodiversity: Butrint National Park is home to an array of wildlife, including a number of threatened species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, as well as valuable wetland and aquatic ecosystems. 4. Exciting Excursions: Visitors to the park will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from boating and swimming, to fishing and birdwatching. There are also historical and cultural tours available, allowing visitors to delve into the park’s fascinating past. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Butrint National Park is located in the south of Albania, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park was established in the late 1950s, but the site itself dates back to the 4th century BC, when it was an important gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. It is also connected to the founding of an eponymous city, which thrived as a trading hub and religious site until the 7th century AD. Since then, Butrint has been gradually abandoned and has since undergone several changes, including archaeological surveys, excavations, and conservation projects. In 1948, the state of Albania placed Butrint under special protection and forbade its destruction. In 1988, it was designated as a National Historical Monument. Two years later, in 1991, it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Shortly thereafter, UNESCO and the Government of Albania established the Butrint Foundation as an international entity to oversee the protection, preservation, and promotion of the park. In 1994, Albania created the Butrint National Park, the largest nature reserve in the country. The park covers an area of about 3,000 hectares, and is made up of a range of landscapes including mountains, valleys, wetlands, and diverse habitats, including Mediterranean shrublands and deciduous forests. Since 2000, many conservation and restoration projects have taken place at Butrint National Park in order to protect its rich archaeological and natural heritage. This includes the removal of invasive species from the area, the conservation and restoration of monuments, the rehabilitation of structures, and the replenishment of fish stocks. The park has become an important tourist destination, offering both recreational activities and guided tours. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Butrint National Park in Albania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. Butrint was founded by the Greeks around 627 BCE. 3. It has a long history that includes the Romans, Byzantines and even the Venetians. 4. The Venetians built a large fort, the Castello, to defend the city. 5. The remains of the city are exceptionally well preserved, a testimony of its past. 6. The Butrint National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds. 7. The park is also home to European mink (Mustela lutreola) and otter (Lutra lutra), two endangered species in Europe. 8. The lake situated within the Park, Lake Butrint, is also home to fish species such as the carp (Cyprinus carpio), barbus fish (Barbus meridionalis) and bleak (Alburnus alburnus). 9. Additionally, the Park protects not only its archaeological remains, but also parts of the natural environment including areas of wetland and reforestation, reflection of its original landscape. 10. In August 2017, the Butrint National Park was also affirmed as a 'RAMSAR' site for its wetland area. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era