We saw a very different aspect of Albania as we explored the southern reaches of the country, beginning with our docking in the small southern fishing port of Sarande. After breakfast we drove to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. This beautiful archaeological site tells the entire history of Albania, if not the Mediterranean, from the Illyrians and Greeks through the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. Albania has not been able to fund a full excavation, so nature still holds its grip on the secrets of the last 2000 years.
Our local guides Shpresa and Loreta gave us an introduction on the drive from Sarande to Butrint. The drive took about an hour, since anything goes on the roads of Albania. We bagan our visit with a walk through the theater, baths, baptistery and Byzantine basilica in the lower section. Then continued up to the acropolis, which later became a Venetian, then Turkish fort. We hiked through the Lion's Gate for some outstanding views and the excellent little archaeological museum.
Now, this was a real treat because unlike most archeological sites that are roped off and restricted, we were able to climb around on the ruins and explore. There were pot shards laying around all over and we were able to see the UNESCO sponsored digs that we going on. Archeologists were staking, sketching, cleaning, and cataloging all of their finds.
After lunch we had some down time to do a little independent exploration of town and then we back on board the ship where Auron Tare, an archaeologist and one of the founders of the Butrint National Park, shared a presentation on the underwater archaeological discoveries of the Korfu Channel and Sarande Harbor.
In the late afternoon we departed again by bus to the Ottoman Castle of Lekuris, which is perched scenically atop Sarande harbor. Here we enjoyed sunset drinks and appetizers with unforgettable views.
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