Butrint Baptistery Mosaics: When to See the Floor Uncovered

Updated 2026-11-02 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.

How to visit Butrint National Park

Travel to Sarandë via ferry from Corfu or by road from Tirana.
Take the local bus from Sarandë to Butrint (runs roughly every hour).
Pay the entrance fee at the National Park gate.
Follow the circular walking path to the baptistery site located near the Great Basilica.

When are the Butrint mosaics uncovered?

The mosaics are rarely visible as they stay buried under sand for preservation.

There is no fixed annual schedule for uncovering the mosaics. Temporary uncovering depends on conservation assessments, research needs, and the park's management programme. Check announcements specifically naming the baptistery: summer viewing periods for other Butrint mosaics do not necessarily include this floor.

What makes the baptistery mosaics special?

The floor features intricate 6th-century Byzantine craftsmanship with 69 medallions.

The mosaic is considered one of the finest examples of its kind in the Balkans. The designs include complex iconography of birds, sea creatures, and animals, representing Christian themes of salvation and the garden of Eden. Even when covered, visitors can see the circular layout of the baptistery's ancient columns.

How much does it cost to enter Butrint?

Paid entrance fees are around 500–1000 Lek, depending on concession eligibility and group size; standard adult admission is the same for Albanian and foreign visitors.

Ticket Type	Approximate Price (Lek)
International Adult	around 1000
Group (10+ people)	around 800
Albanian Citizen	around 1000; eligible concessions around 500

Where is the baptistery located within the park?

It is situated in the lower part of the ancient city, near the Great Basilica.

As you follow the main archaeological trail, the baptistery is one of the primary stops. It is a large circular structure with two rings of columns that once supported a wooden roof. Its proximity to the Vivari Channel means the area can occasionally be damp or flooded during periods of high rainfall.

How can I find out if the mosaics are currently open?

Check the official social media channels of the Butrint National Park or the Albanian Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports.

Since openings are rare, it is best to contact the Sarandë tourism office or check the park's official Facebook page before traveling specifically for the mosaics. Local guides in Sarandë will also likely know if an uncovering is currently taking place.