Overview:

Saint George's Church (Albanian: Kisha e Shën Gjergjit) is a Serbian Orthodox church located in Gjirokastër, Albania. It was built in the 18th century and was originally part of a complex of buildings in the city. The complex included a seminary, church, and residences. It was renovated in the late 1990s and reconsecrated in 1998 following the end of communist rule in Albania. The church is a popular tourist destination and its architecture has served as a model for other churches in Albania. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

-It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site -It is an 18th-century Ottoman-style church which is considered one of the finest examples of Albanian architecture. -The interior of the church is decorated with amazing frescoes, paintings and icons. -It has distinctive twin towers and an impressive bell tower situated over a picturesque doorway into the church grounds. -The church also houses a collection of icons from various centuries, which are still in good condition today. -The church is located on the western bank of the Drino River in Gjirokastër, Albania. -The church is famous for hosting the funeral of former Albanian president, Enver Hoxha. -The church also often hosts musical performances and events. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Church of Saint George, commonly known as Saint George’s Church, is located in the city of Gjirokastër in southern Albania. It is one of the oldest and most important churches in Albania, dating back to the 13th century. The church has a long and rich history, having survived numerous invasions and seen many changes over the centuries. The church was first built in 1230, during the rule of George Kastrioti, the ruler of the Principality of Kruja located in northern Albania. The original building was constructed in the Byzantine style, with a central dome superimposed between two aisles. Over the centuries, the church underwent many changes and expansions, with numerous additions of two smaller domes, and frescoes decorating the interior. In 1573, the church was severely damaged during the conquest of Gjirokastër by the Ottoman Empire. Following this destruction, the church was rebuilt and several renovations were made, with the addition of two bell towers that were erected in the 18th century. During the 19th century, the church underwent a period of major reconstruction, with the old structure being completely demolished in 1836, and a new church constructed in its place in 1847. In 1939, the Church of Saint George was appointed as a basilica by Pope Pius XII. Today, the Church of Saint George continues to be an important part of the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Gjirokastër. The church is open to visitors and services are held on Sundays and holidays. The church is also a site of pilgrimage for many worshippers, not only from Albania but also from the surrounding countries. The Church of Saint George was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and remains one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the city. External links * Church of Saint George at Gjirokastër (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1142/) * Official Tourism Information Website (https://albania.al/en/georg-of-gjirokastra/) * Travel Site (https://www.tastesummer.com/attraction/church-of-st-george-gjirokaster-albania/) Category:Albanian culture Category:Gjirokastër Category:Churches in Albania Category:13th-century architecture in Albania Category:Roman Catholic churches in Albania Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint George's Church is located in the old city center of Gjirokastër in Albania. 2. It is one of the oldest and most important churches in Albania and was built in the 13th century by the Despot of Epirus, Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas. 3. The church is dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of Gjirokastër. 4. It is the largest church in the city and its walls are decorated with a number of frescoes of historical figures from the 16th century. 5. The church was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1925, but has since been restored and is now open for worship. 6. The Saint George’s Church in Gjirokastër is an important cultural and religious landmark of Albania and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era