This survey concerns the physical condition of the monuments and walls both within the city of Butrint and, extramurally, in the local environs historically connected with Butrint.

The structures, the ruined walls and ruined monuments have been categorised into five condition states (see definitions).

To decide upon a level of detail upon which to base categorisation and recommendation has been extremely difficult. Priority has gone to structural stability and the ability to maintain this stability. The 'top down' approach has been used in favour of the 'bottom up' approach.

Recommendations are based on the fact that it is only if the buildings are stabilised, monitored and kept from collapse can future more refined examination and conservation take place.

It must also be said that the ability to assess 'condition' depends on the ability to access and observe. Within Butrint it is possible for cleared areas to become overgrown within a period of two to three years unless regular vegetation management takes place. It is axiomatic that once 'condition' becomes hidden then deterioration is the most likely outcome. It is absolutely crucial that, for this document to have any meaning, that masonry maintenance and vegetation management proceed in line with the recommendations within.

27th January 2007: The survey at this date is incomplete, and the reader will find some information missing. If you are reading from CD then you will probably find a more up to date version at www.butrintconditionsurvey.com (username:junia/password:rufina).

If there is a specific piece of information concerning something that is, to date, missing from the website then contact René Rice at the email address below. Also please inform me of glaring mistakes, links that don't work, gaffes and the simply incorrect.

René Rice (renefrice@googlemail.com) for The Butrint Foundation (www.butrintfoundation.co.uk). January 2009

Acknowledgments:

The Butrint Foundation:

Brian Ayers

Andy Crowson

Richard Hodges

Oliver Gilkes

Smirald Kola

Jerry O'Dwyer

Nevilla Molla,

Jacques Neguer

Gentian Shorri

Pal Nikolli

Bujar Spaho

Bektash Mustafaraq

Butrint National Park:

Ylli Cerova

Erjona Qilla

Evjena Thomagjini

Ziso Kristopulli

Institute of Monuments:

Walter Stylla

Albana Hakani

Funders:

Howard and Nancy Marks

Packard Humanities Institute

Trustees of the Butrint Foundation