Theatre of Butrint

The theatre is the best-preserved structure of the former urban district of Butrint, built under the Acropolis and centred around the sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. According to an inscription on one of the stone seats, it dates from the 2nd century BC, but very likely stood on the site of an earlier theatre. It has a classic semicircular shape and could seat up to 2,500 spectators.

In the 3rd-4th centuries BC, the centre of Butrint emerged on ten hectares under the Acropolis and even got protection with its walls. The central feature was the statue of Asclepius, found in 1932. In addition to the theatre, there were other small temples, a place for sacrifices, at least one fountain and a peristyle (a row of columns surrounding a space within a building). The latter probably served as a hostel for pilgrims who came here to pray and ask Asclepius for healing.

On the site of the former scenic building of the theatre, numerous statues have been found: of Roman Emperor Augustus, his wife Livia, or important military leaders. At the entrance to the theatre, inscriptions in Ancient Greek are still visible, recording the names of slaves who were granted their freedom in the theatre. Also engraved on the seats in the lower rows were the names of prominent residents of Butrint for whom seats were reserved.

The former stage is now flooded and the water is covered by wooden planks. Several aquatic turtles usually hang out in the pond.

The Butrint Theatre hosts several performances each year. Its significance for Albania’s cultural legacy is highlighted by the fact that the theatre’s picture appears on the country’s 2,000th banknote.

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