An enchanting and tranquil archaeological treasure

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times May 27, 2016 13:44

An enchanting and tranquil archaeological treasure

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  • Butrint is a serene and beautiful ancient sanctuary

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By Maire Rowland

Butrint is a sacred place. It eminates an otherworldly calm upon its visitors. Kindly spirits of its ancient inhabitants seem to glide through the trees guarding what remains of the city. In mid-May the air in Butrint National Park is crisp and refreshing. A cooling breeze rustles the forest leaves and the soothing sound of swallows swooping through the tall trees instills an inescapable calm. Located approximately 20km from Saranda and a five minute drive from the seaside town of Ksamil, Burtint is an enchanting and tranquil archaeological treasure.

This celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site is not the kind of place that requires you to follow a strict path or schedule. Time moves differently here and begins to seem irrelevant as you lose yourself exploring the ruins from different ages. Its rich history begins in prehistoric times and stars the ancient Greeks, the Romans as well as early Christian settlers. Caesar himself was said to be enamoured with this special place. He appreciated it for its strategic position close to the Greek island of Corfu, as well as its reputation as a place of healing.

It is the natural environment that surrounds and frames Burtint that makes it more interesting and impressive than your typical archaeological site. Situated in the Vivari Channel, surrounded by Burtint Lake, the phenomenal calm is mirrored in nature. In modern times I imagine the reincarnation of ancient Burtint would be some type of yoga, meditation retreat in California. The kind of place that over paid celebrities and wealthy retirees would spend thousands to escape to and unwind. People have always needed calming spaces to escape daily exhaustion, from the polluted cities, crowded streets of modern day to the horrors of disease and the chaos of war in the past.

As far back as the 5th century BC Butrint was seen as a spirtual and holy place, evident from the remains of an ancient temple sanctuary that Greek settlers built in honour of Zeus. One of the most impressive ruins in Butrint is the bapistry from the paleo-Christian era that contains a beautiful and well preserved floor mosaic. This is an ancient Roman monument that was adapted for Christian worship, it is said that anyone that was baptised here would live forever.

The city's castle which now contains an archaeological museum is located on a hill in Burtint National Park, overlooking the lake. Here you can explore the history of Burtint from the Bronze Age onwards. Artefacts on display include ancient Roman statues, pottery from the Hellenic period, spear heads and weaponry. Although many of the statues in the museum are now headless they provide a wonderful insight into the clothing and sculpture capabilities of an ancient time.

Natural disaster drove civilisation from Butrint, an earthquake shook the city in the Middle Ages causing severe flooding resulting in its inhabitants abandoning the city. This unfortunate event for the residents of that time was actually a very fortunate disaster for us now. Due to its abandonment, Butrint escaped major urban and industrial development leaving its ruins virtually untouched and the nature surrounding it free from destruction.

Today this is a place where spiritual serenity and   nature's calm coincide. Although a natural disaster led to its abandonment, we have been given a second chance to enjoy its magnificient beauty. The major archeological work that has been undertaken here allows us to explore ancient civilisations in the flesh and the undisturbed environment gives us a sense of natural peacefulness. Visiting Butrint makes you feel that when mutual respect exists between humanity and nature we can co-exist without causing each other harm.

 

 

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times May 27, 2016 13:44