Butrint and Coastal Chaonia (Saranda, Albania)

The Butrint Project, born in 2015, is a joint research agreement between the University of Bologna and the Archaeological Institute of Tirana developed to investigate the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint in southern Albania. Building on the legacy of previous excavations, the project aims to reconstruct the site’s historical development using innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. Early phases of research focused on laser scanning and mapping of the Hellenistic city walls, followed by stratigraphic investigations at the acropolis, where evidence of long-term settlement has been uncovered. Recent research has included the digital documentation and the study of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, as well as underwater explorations of the lagoon to better understand the site’s topography and its surrounding landscape. The Project also emphasizes landscape archaeology, examining the broader region of northern coastal Epirus to analyse settlement patterns and socioeconomic factors. Alongside its research, the project promotes public engagement through educational initiatives and exhibitions, highlighting the cultural heritage of the site and its importance within Mediterranean history.