Sarande Albania is a picturesque place, at least from the port it is. There was little time for any touring the town as the excursion left early, came back at noon, when the all abord was at 13:00. We had an early departure at 14:00. So Leslie decided to explore the town while we all went to the ruins at Butrint. This old settlement is a wonder with a past that rivals any of the old towns of Europe. It is located where Lake Butrint, the largest lake in Albania, meets the sea. There is ample fresh water in the lake and in the nearby springs so sustain a city and to resupply passing ships. Legend has it that the city was settled by exiles from the city of Troy after its fall. Evidence of the town dates back to the 8th century BCE with the first defensive walls being erected by the 4th century BCE. It was a religious center dedicated to Asclepius the god of medicine. Folks came from all around to the clear healing waters. The Romans took over in 228 BCE when Julius Caesar and later Augustus developed the defensive walls that are stupendous. The walls rise to 18 meters tall and are 9 meters thick in places. Much of it was built by slaves who were freed when the walls were completed. What followed was three centuries of Roman rule, then the Byzantines, the Huns, the Visgoths, the Slavs, Venetians, Bulgarians, Venetians, and Turkish rulers. In 1912 the Turks were sent packing and Albania emerged from the first Balkan war as an independent nation, protected by the great nations. Then in 1928 a short lived democratic government was elected. The prime minister liked it so much that he declared himself King Zog 1, and ruled from 1928 to 1939. He left the with all the country's funds one day before the Italians rolled in. The Italians left in 1943 only to be replaced by the Nazi's. After WW2 they became a Stalinist state and was an isolationist country until 1990 when the Communist Government was thrown out. Just in time for another Balkan war. They say the two headed eagle on the flag grew its second head because it had to be watching its back all these centuries.
Part of the recent building boom
Stretched out over the waters edge
A defunct Ferris wheel
The remains of a Synagogue. In the 4th Century a ship containing Jewish slaves revolted and killed the crew. They landed ashore to a welcoming population and co-existed for centuries.
A replica of the mosaics discovered here
This was an olive grove in 1990
Nice morning walk
Looking back at the Azzura
Mussel farming
Butrint Lake and mountains off in the distance
Fish farms
Beautiful lake
At the outlet of the lake
Car ferry
My Fisherman
The Venetian Tower from the 15ht Century
Little fish popping up their heads
The start of the buildings
Three levels of construction
Larger stones from the first Romans
Later Roman construction
Built on the top of the 4th Century Asclepius shrine
The red arches
Perhaps the site is sinking or the water table has risen
The names of the freed slaves
This 3rd Century Roman Theater unearthed in this condition
The masks of the players
It was a healing center and no violent events were performed here
The steps up
Possibly part of the aqueduct
Many musicians performed here pre-covid
The baths that were build in the 2nd century BCE
Elaborate stone works
Devine vines
the red bricks were from the second Roman period
Up on the hill
Shops were located here
Here the structure of the Roaman road can be seen
What is down here?
All of these structures are the same as they were when they were unearthed in 1928-1939
A pagan structure
Later co-opted by Christians and turned into a baptistry
A very elaborate mosaic lies buried below a layer of protective sand. It unearthed on very rare occasions
Double chimneys
Off we go down the path
Waterworks and arches were everywhere
The Great basicilla constructed in 6 the century CE
A fountain dedicated to the nymphs 2nd century CE
All of this still standing
Missing only its wooden roof
Still with mosaics
Impressive structure
Tall and strong
1400 years old
The marshes along the edges of the lake
Clear water
The very tall wall
An entryway allowing only one person at a time
Stone roof
An earthquake proof construction style
Some cracks are appearing
The lion gate with the image of a lion eating a boar
It is not made for tall folk
Huge blocks used to make the wall
The gate
Many steps to climb
Water came in via the aqueduct
Looking down at the necropolis
Back down at the gate
We are getting higher
A fine little boat
Stone walls reaching to the lake
Random column part
The Venetian Castle built 14th Century CE. Re-constructed in the 1930's
A great view
Cannons at the ready
Looking good
Sister Kris
Defensive position
The two headed eagle of the Albanian flag
Not functional
Heads up
Headless
Were the heads looted?
The entire castle complex
Up at the top
Love the evergreens
The Adriatic
Don't get locked behind this gate
Where the lake meets the sea
Harvesting olives
Odd mix of building styles
Queen of the cruise
It has been 1 year and 135 days since we began our Migration
