TIRANA, Sept. 11 /ATA/ – The Dea of Butrint, one of Albania’s best-known archaeological heritage works also called the Goddess of Butrint or Head of Apollo, has returned to the ancient city of Butrint, southern Albania, where it was discovered.
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja on Friday announced the return of the artefact following a journey from Butrint to Rome and then to the National History Museum in Tirana.
“The Dea of Butrint is coming home,” Gonxhja said, describing its return as an important event for Albania’s cultural heritage.
He said the return enriched the historical narrative of Butrint and would give visitors the opportunity to see first-hand an important testament to the history, art and shared European heritage of the site.
Butrint has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors so far this year, Gonxhja said, adding that the archaeological site continued to strengthen its position as one of Albania’s leading cultural tourism destinations.
“I thank the entire team that worked on bringing the Goddess back to Butrint, while expressing our deep gratitude to the AADF and reaffirming our support for successful models such as this one, now made tangible through the Butrint Management Foundation,” Gonxhja said.
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