Great Basilica Travel Guide

The Great Basilica of Butrint, dating back to the first half of the 6th century, is a highlight of the Butrint archaeological site. Built during the late antiquity period, the basilica served as the principal church of Butrint. The basilica's design features three naves separated by colonnades and a mosaic-paved floor. While little of the original mosaic remains, its design mirrored those in the nearby Baptistery. The walls of the main nave are well-preserved, with windows still intact, making it one of the best-preserved late antique basilicas in the Mediterranean.Measuring 32 meters in length and with a transept reaching 24 meters, the basilica is architecturally impressive. The five-sided apse, complete with three original windows, is a particularly striking feature. Despite its grandeur, the Great Basilica was not the original cathedral of Butrint. It was likely built with private funds, possibly as a tomb for its benefactor, and later served as a burial site. Remains of a nymphaeum, an ancient fountain, are located next to the basilica, marking a spot where residents once gathered for drinking water supplied by an aqueduct. During the 13th century, the basilica was rebuilt and became Butrint's cathedral. Today, the Great Basilica offers visitors a glimpse into Butrint's early Christian past and its importance as a religious center.