Archaeological Albania

After a quick 10 minute tender to the port of Saranda we boarded our bus for the Archaeological Albania tour in our group of 36. Saranda is located 22 miles across the Ionian Sea from Corfu.

Saranda, Albania

5 minute drive

Departing Saranda cruise ship pier we drove to the town center to visit the ruins of Onhezmi Synagogue built in the 5th Century. The presiding mosaics testify to the presence of a Jewish settlement during the period. The Synagogue was destroyed at the end of the 6th Century due to slave invasions.

*The remains of the Onhezmi Synagogue right in the middle of the city*

After spending time at the Synagogue we headed down the promenade parallel with the Ionian Sea. Our guide provided an in-depth history of the region and described how the town was created. Steeped in a long history dating back to the Byzantine Empire this region is about 2/3rd mountainous.

*The promenade was filled with shops and restaurants*

*Very relaxing view of the city and waterfront*

Headed towards our destination

35 minute drive

After a short walk along the Sea we gathered ourselves back onto the bus. Now driving along with a beautiful view of the Isle of Corfu, we are headed to the Ancient City of Butrint.

*Fishing cages in the Sea and Isle of Corfu in the distance*

Butrint National Park, Vlore County, Albania

3 hours spent at the Ancient City of Butrint

Arriving at Butrint National Park we followed the signs leading us to the Ancient town. Acient Butrint or Buthrotum is fabled to have been founded by the exiles who had fled the City of Troy after its fall.

Peering across the Vavari Channel we first caught a glimpse of the 15th Century Triangular Fortress erected by the Ottoman empire around 1655.

*The fortress was across the water but caught a great view with the zoom lens*

Then turning towards the pathway of Butrint National Park the 15th Century Venetian Tower stood just inside its entrance.

*The Venetian Tower was built to work in tandem with the Triangular Fortress protecting the fishing area*

Wandering down this tree lined path we shortly arrived at the Sanctuary of Asclepius from the 4th Century which included a Grand Theatre.

*The Sanctuary is a series of buildings including a theater, bathhouse, and lodgings*

*We walked across the bridge to get a closer look*

*Ancient Theatre built in the 3rd Century. Later changed to the Roman style.*

The Bronze Age writing’s on the Ancient theater walls are magnificent and considered one of the greatest finds of the excavation site.

Exiting the Theatre was a Roman Bath of the 2nd Century.

*On the opposite side of the complex was the area of the Roman Bath.*

Next we examined the Forum known as the civic and commercial epicenter of Butrint.

*The Sacred Spring, Tripartite Building and Temple*

*The end of the complex where the sewer was located*

*The Roman Forum was the civic and commercial epicenter of Butrint.*

Following this was the Gymnasium leading us to a Baptistery of the 6th Century. Its highlight was a mosaic floor, all but covered for our visit.

*The Nymphaeum of the Gymnasium, a fountain dedicated to the nymphs*

*Overview of the Baptistery with Roman elements*

*Baptistery of the 6th Century complete with Mosiac floor (which was unfortunately under the dirt for protection)*

After passing the 2nd Century fountain of the Nymphs we came to the Great Basilica a cult-like creation of the 6th Century.

*The other side of the Fountain of the Nymphs from the 2nd Century.*

First we came across the Lake Gate of the 4th Century b.c. before our path led us to the Lion’s Gate last reconstructed during the medieval period.

Following a path that seemed to encompass most of the Ancient City we eventually arrived at the Venetian Castle and Museum. This path was a bit uphill over loose and uneven ground and stones including a section of long steep stairs.

*Great walking path around the Fortress*

Once you have successfully navigated your way to the Castle it is within its Museum that you will find relics of the the Ancient City of Butrint. On display are many of the recovered busts, statues and artifacts from the Centuries.

Lunch at Hotel Livia

30 minutes provided for Lunch and Refreshments

We now walked as a group from the Hryje entrance to the Hotel Livia Restaurant just outside the gates. We had an option of Cheese Sandwich with tomato and cucumber or Albanian Pie (puff pastry and meat) for our included lunch.

*A nice place to sit and relax after the long walk*

40 minute return journey

Having come to the end of our tour, we gathered at the bus for the quick return journey to the Oosterdam.

4 hours 30 minutes later…

The Oosterdam would make an unscheduled stop at dusk in the port of Corfu, Greece for an on-board medical emergency. Overlooking Corfu from the ship’s Observation Deck it appeared to be quite an intriguing destination sheathed in its own history.