Ksara is a small settlement that is a great base for exploring the nearby Butrint National Park. There is an archaeological site from ancient and medieval times inscribed on the UNESCO list.
The village is surrounded by grapevines, citrus and olive trees, and its inhabitants are a cultural mix of Orthodox and Muslim. There is also a large community of Aromanians and Greeks.
The biggest attraction in the area is the Butrint archaeological site. This settlement was founded according to mythology by refugees from Troy. From the 7th century BC it was a Greek colony and the center of the cult of Asclepius. Due to its location, a port was built here, which in ancient times was one of the most important in the region.
The successful development of Butrint also continued under Roman rule, and it was interrupted by the Balkan invasions in the 6th century AD. However, a bishopric was established here soon after, which led to the prosperity of the center again. In the 14th century, the Venetians built their castle here and it is now the best preserved monument of the entire complex.
The archaeological site is surrounded by Butrint National Park and includes buildings and ruins from different eras. The oldest are the ancient amphitheater from the 3rd century BC and the remains of Greek and Roman temples. Buildings from the late Roman Empire and Byzantine times constitute a large group of monuments. These include a chapel from the 5th century, monumental ruins of the Great Basilica from the 7th century, a baptistery and baths.
The best-preserved objects are the Venetian Tower and the Venetian Castle from the 14th century. It houses the Butrint Museum and the Archaeological Museum, which allow for a better understanding of the history of the city and the life of its inhabitants in different epochs.
