In pictures: Sights of Butrint

This Roman mosaic is one of Butrint's glories. It was found on the site of a villa, which was expanded into a palace in the 5th Century AD.

Albania is encouraging tourism, but Butrint gets fewer visitors than many ancient sites in nearby Greece.

There is still much research to be done at Butrint. Here an art historian studies an early Christian mosaic in the Baptistery.

This Baptistery mosaic shows peacocks in a vine growing from a great vase. The birds represent paradise and immortality, and the vase and grapes, the Eucharist and the blood of Christ.

The Great Basilica was built in the 6th Century AD, at the same time as the Baptistery. The basilica was the bishop's church. Much of it was rebuilt in the Middle Ages.

This aerial shot shows an ancient Greek sanctuary area and Roman theatre. Dense woodland adds to Butrint's attractions.

Animal bone specialists and environmental students help to fill in details of Butrint's long history.

Butrint was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1992. In 2000 the national park was established, creating a protected zone.

This modest car ferry connects Butrint to the Vrina Plain. Foreign donations are helping to improve the local infrastructure.

The site's museum was modernised and reopened in 2005. It is housed in a castle.

Archaeologists have made new discoveries - including Roman artefacts - on the Vrina Plain, near Butrint.