- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
The Glossary
The historically important, ancient city of Butrint, one of the oldest settlements in Europe, is in southwest Albania regally overlooking the great Mediterranean Sea. Populated right from those misty prehistoric times, it boasts of an incredibly long history spanning thousands of years - at some point having been a Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian territory. As such, it owns an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage, as attested by the plethora of monuments, archaeological sites and museums dotting most of its landscape. It is almost impossible for one to traverse the city without stumbling upon at least one of them, and that is precisely what makes it a perfect destination for tourists and the history enthusiasts.
The city is said to have been established in the 12th century. Its peculiar strategic location on the map has made it an excellent location for a military stronghold. Under the Illyrians, it was built as a fortress with a massive 870-meter long wall and heavy gates. It was, however, overrun in 228 BC by the Romans who developed the city and erected aqueducts, villages, Roman baths and forum complexes. The area was subjected to many wars and conflicts in subsequent years, damaging most of its infrastructure. It finally became a part of Albania in 1912. The year 1992 saw it being elevated to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has undergone major rehabilitation and reconstruction attempts after that.
Tourists visiting the city can find many striking Roman architectural remains, such as a Roman amphitheater, a basilica said to be one of the largest on the planet, Roman temples - especially the one featuring an impressive but mostly unexcavated mosaic floor - and a notable lion's gate that had been masterfully made. All of these are located inside the vast Butrint National Park, a site specifically established with the intention of preserving the city's glorious heritage, protecting it as well as Albanian law can do.
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
In our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
