Byzantine Basilica in Butrint

The World Heritage site of Butrint, located in southwest Albania on the Mediterranean Sea, is a unique blend of Greek and Roman and Byzantine and Venetian architecture, a result of its long and checkered history. The site was first occupied during the Bronze Age, about 800 BC. A large triangular fort was built in the 6th century BC, and by the 4th century BC, Butrint had become a substantial settlement, its acropolis perched 42 meters above its lower city holding two temples, one a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, legendary Greek physician and son of the god Apollo and Coronis. A Greek ampitheatre seating 5000 was added in the 3rd century BC.

This image is of the remains of the Byzantine period basilica. That round central well-like structure is the baptistry.

More information on Butrint can be found here:

• Butrint, City of Mosaics
• Butrint, from the Albanian National Trust, with loads of information and more photographs
• A Brief History of Butrint
• Archaeology of Albania