Overview:

Saint Nicholas Church, Qeparo is one of the largest and most important early Christian churches in Albania. The church was built in the early 1900s, after the area was frequently visited by Orthodox Balkan pilgrims. The church has a unique design featuring two towers, an apsidal south end, and an internal nave. It is also heavily decorated with Byzantine and icons inspired art. The church is listed as a National Monument of Culture by the Albanian Ministry of Culture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

•Built in the 16th century •Towering bell tower that stands over the church •Ornately carved stone façade •Large 15th-century double-door entrance flanked by stone lions •Interior walls adorned with ancient frescoes •Gilded detailing on the walls and icons •Wooden iconostasis behind the altar •Candelabra chandeliers that hang from a sprawling wooden ceiling •Small mosaic and fresco designs located throughout the interior •Archaeological excavations at the site have unearthed Byzantine artifacts •On-site museum offering a glimpse at the church’s history and nearby archaeological remains •Tomb of an unknown eight century martyr inside the church You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Saint Nicholas Church in Qeparo, Albania was built sometime during the end of the 14th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Albania. It is located in the village of Qeparo, which sits atop a small hill on the south side of the Vlora Bay within the partially mountainous and partially coastal district of Vlora. The site itself was strategically located, providing views of the harbour and any approaching ships. The original church was tiny and not very complex, and only had some frescoes from the 14th century. However, it was later expanded and reconstructed by the citizens of Qeparo during the 16th and 17th centuries. The most notable changes can be seen in the construction of the stone altar and bell tower which were added during the aforementioned period. In addition, the church's wooden roof and wood-panelled interior were also replaced with more advanced forms of materials during the end of the 16th century. The 18th century saw further renovations to the church, including the construction of the choir. In the following centuries, the church underwent further restoration and maintenance as a result of damage caused by WWII and the communist period in Albania. It wasn't until the 2000s that the church underwent a major restoration, and its walls were repainted with classic Byzantine murals. Over the years, Saint Nicholas Church has become a popular tourist attraction and cultural heritage site in Albania. Today, the church still serves as a place of worship for the locals. It also serves as a reminder of the long and complex history of the region and the people of Qeparo. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Saint Nicholas Church is a small Byzantine style church located in Qeparo, Albania. 2. The church was built in the 9th century and was originally dedicated to St. Theodore, making it one of the oldest churches in Albania. 3. According to local legends, it was burned down by the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century and its ruins remained untouched until they were rediscovered in the mid 20th century. 4. The church was restored and reconsecrated in 1989 and now serves as a popular tourist attraction. 5. The church is known for the beautiful frescoes covering its walls, which represent biblical scenes, numerous saints, and the coronation of Emperor Constantine. 6. The church is surrounded by a wall-enclosed cemetery with several important tombs, such as the tomb of the famous religious leader Father Gjergjo Oroni. 7. The Saint Nicholas Church is listed as a national monument by the Ministry of Culture of Albania. 8. The Saint Nicholas Church is an active church, hosting regular Orthodox Christian religious services throughout the year. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era