Overview:

Located in Delvinë, this church is a protected monument of the country and is dedicated to the Christian Saint Paraskevi. The church was built during the 16th century, and it is said that its iconostasis was made by the famous Albanian craftsman, Jak Kiraci. The church underwent restoration work in 2010 and today houses a great collection of religious paintings, icons, and other works of art. The structure of this church resembles an Albanian fortress, with its two towers, and some of its most notable features include its intricate carvings, frescoes, and hand-painted cupolas. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Stunning views of Delvina from the hilltop where the church sits 2. Byzantine frescoes inside the church 3. Detailed mural paintings in the interior 4. Intricate sculpted works around the church 5. Unique reverse dome architecture 6. Stunning sculptures of Prophet Elias and the Virgin Mary 7. Interesting entrance gate with metal figures 8. Ancient cobblestone walkways surrounding the church 9. Picturesque landscapes of the Albanian mountains 10. Historic Saint Paraskevi Church, built in the 17th century. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Saint Paraskevi Church is a historic Orthodox Christian church located in the city of Delvina, in south western Albania. It is the only remaining church in the city and one of the few in Albania still in operation. The church is believed to have been built in 1750 by a monk known as Father Pantelejmon. Its origins are connected to the old Byzantine church of St. Paraskevi in Delvina. During Ottoman rule, the church and other Orthodox buildings were destroyed or left in ruins, but Saint Paraskevi still stands today. In modern times, the church has been in use since the 18th century and has been renovated several times. It has been identified as a candidate for UNESCO heritage listing. It is currently the seat of the Delvina Parish of the Albanian Orthodox Church, serving the spiritual and community needs of the local Orthodox population. The church itself has an eclectic mix of architecture, with elements of both Byzantine and Ottoman styles incorporated into the design and decoration of the building. The outside walls are decorated with frescoes and the interior is fitted with pre-1940s icons. The church also contains several historical artifacts such as icons, sacred vessels and old books. The church is dedicated to Saint Paraskevi, an ancient Greek saint whose feast day is celebrated on July 7. Saint Paraskevi Church is an important part of the cultural and religious heritage of Albania and serves as a reminder of its Orthodox Christian past. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors to the city, and provides an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the region. The church remains a living part of Albanian religious life today, and serves as an important part of the city's spiritual identity. Sources: https://www.globalgeopark.org/en/parks/protective-scenery/albania_ggn/parks/saint-paraskevi-church/ https://www.examiner.com/list/st-paraskevi-church-in-delvina-albania-an-important-cultural-and-religious-heritage Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Paraskevi Church is located in the city of Delvinë in Albania and is an important Orthodox religious site. 2. The Church of St. Paraskevi was built in 2008 and is dedicated to the saints of the Orthodox faith. 3. It is a two-story building, with the main entrance located on the ground floor. 4. The church has a total of 7 domes, with the larger one located in the center. 5. The church is adorned with colorful frescoes inside. 6. It is known for its stunning marble columns and intricate stone carvings. 7. The church is located at the end of a short driveway, surrounded by a garden of olive, fig, and pear trees. 8. The town of Delvinë has a strong connection with the Orthodox Church and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era