Overview:

Saint Mary Church, Korçë In Albania is one of the main churches in the city of Korçë, located in the southeastern part of the country. It is a cultural monument of Albania and was built between 1780 and 1788. The church is a three nave basilica and serves the Catholic community in the city. It is listed as a cultural monument of Albania and consists of three main spaces: the nave, the apse, and the sacristy. The interior of the church is adorned with marble, wood, and iconography. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

• Built in 1873, Saint Mary Church is a Catholic church located in Korçë, Albania. • It was declared as a "Monument of Culture" by the Albanian government in 1962. • The church is one of the most important Catholic monuments in the country. • The church is constructed in a Neo-Gothic style and includes a bell tower, two side chapels, and twelve windows. • Its interior houses some significant works of art, such as large paintings, stained glass windows, and sculptures. • It is considered one of the most architecturally significant monuments of cross-cultural heritage in the city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Saint Mary Church (Albanian: Kisha Shën Mërie) is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Korçë, Albania. It is the largest church in the city and is located in the centre of the old city. The Saint Mary Church was built in 1720 with the help of Jesuit priest Dhimitri Diamanti, who had come to Korçë to evangelize the local population. The church was designed in baroque style and was built using stones from nearby ruins. The interior of the church is lavishly decorated with many religious frescoes and a beautiful wooden altar. The church has played an important role in Albanian culture, especially since the 19th century when it became the focus of culture and politics. During this period, it was the venue for meetings of important figures of Albanian history such as the Congress of Manastir which took place in 1908 and which aimed to preserve Albanian national identity. During World War II, it was the sight of many important ceremonies such as the formal Youth Pledge to Mother Albania which saw hundreds of thousands of people attend. Today, the Saint Mary Church is still an active place of worship for the local community and serves as an important cultural landmark for the city of Korçë. It hosts regular masses and is open to visitors who wish to observe its stunning features. Sources - "About Saint Mary Church". Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë dhe Durrës. - "Saint Mary Church". Albania Time Machine. - "Korçë". Central Intelligence Agency. - "Albania Churches". Itineram World Travel. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Mary Church is believed to have been built in the 13th century, during the Byzantine rule of Epirus. 2. The church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1617, and rebuilt by the local Orthodox population in 1628. 3. The church was further renovated around 1845, after nearly two centuries of neglect and disrepair. 4. During World War II, the church was used as a barn by the occupying Italian army. 5. In the 1970s, the church was once again renovated and the nave, chapel and bell tower were reconstructed to its original appearance. 6. In addition to its valuable frescoes and the architecture, the church is well-known for the legend of “Virgin Mary of the Protecting Veil”, according to which a strip of cloth from the veil came off and flew out of the church, falling from the sky onto the Ottoman Turkish commander’s arm. The commander was then forced to retreat from the city. 7. Saint Mary Church is a protected monument according to the law of Protected Cultural Monuments of Albania. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era