Overview:

is an Orthodox church in southern Albania. It is part of the Municipality of Delvinë. According to Albanian census records, the church was built in the 15th century. While much of the current building dates from the 18th century, it stands on the site of an earlier church. The church is a domed, one-nave structure with a distinctive tower entrance and freestanding bell towers. Its interior provides glimpses of subsequent renovations over the centuries, including byzantine frescoes and wood carvings. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

- Byzantine Revival-style architecture - Built in 1888 by Kostandin Shpataraku - Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, a 4th century saint and patron of sailors and vessels - Church bell tower of 8 meters tall - Facade has 3 arches above the main entrance - Ornamented wall paintings in interior - Restored in 2012 You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is located in Delvinë, a municipality in southern Albania. The church, also known as St. Nicholas of Delvinë or the Church of the Martyrs was built in the late 18th century. It has a typical traditional Greek Orthodox architectural style and was most likely founded by an immigrant Greek-Albanian community in the area. The church is one of the oldest churches in Albania and has served as a spiritual refuge for the local population since its founding. During the early 20th century, the church was closed down by the Ottoman Empire in 1909. However, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the church was reopened and restoration work was undertaken in 1919. The church has experienced changes since. A three part addition was added to the original building in the 1960s, which included a living area for the priest as well as a kitchen and dining area. In 2011, the Saint Nicholas Church of Delvinë was listed as one of the Cultural Monuments of Albania. As such, it is under the protection of the Ministry of Culture in Albania. The church is still used for occasional religious ceremonies, and is sometimes open to visitors. The church is a popular tourist destination and is renowned for its vibrant colors and traditional style of Greek Orthodox architecture. It offers stunning views of the local countryside and offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of southern Albania. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Saint Nicholas Church of Delvinë was constructed in 1418 on orders of the Albanian ruler Gjergj Kastrioti-Skanderbeg. 2. It is the only surviving church in Delvinë, a small town in the southwestern part of Albania. 3. This historic church was declared a monument of culture by the government of Albania in 1961. 4. It is located on a hill overlooking the small town of Delvinë and the bay of Vlorë. 5. The church is built in the Byzantine-style, with a bell tower and dome and is decorated with fresco paintings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. 6. There is a working Albanian Orthodox monastery attached to the church with many monks who can be found working and living in the area. 7. The Saint Nicholas Church of Delvinë was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1979 before it was restored in 2002 with the help of Unesco. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era