Overview:

Saint Paraskevi Church is located in the historic city of Fier in Albania. It is one of the oldest churches in Albania and dates back to the 5th century. It is also known as the Church of Saint Paraskevi of the Albanians. The church is constructed in a unique style, with the altar situated in the centre of the building, while two towers flank each side of the building. It is believed to have been constructed by the local Albanian rulers around the 5th century. The church is of great religious and cultural importance to Albanians and is a public site of pilgrimage. Traditionally, people go to the site to pray to the patron saint of the city, Saint Paraskevi, who is believed to protect them from danger. Many visitors also come to the church to see the breathtaking views of the city from the Bel Tower. The interior of the church is adorned with beautiful artwork, including a painting that is attributed to 16th century artist El Greco. The church is a must-see for anyone visiting Albania. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

•Built in the 17th century •Features a unique baroque style architecture with gabled roof, horseshoe arches, and stone bell tower •Highly decorated façade, with intricate stone stonework, frescoes, and gold-plated accents •Located in the center of Fier city, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside •Recognized as an important cultural and spiritual site within the region, and included in the Cultural Heritage of Albania •Hosts an annual feast day each July 26th in honor of Saint Paraskevi, patron saint of the local Orthodox community You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Saint Paraskevi Church in Fier is a prominent Christian Orthodox Church in Fier, Albania. It dates back to the middle Byzantine period, approximately the 12th to 15th centuries. During this period, the Christian Orthodox Church was a major force in the region and this particular church was the largest in the city. The church was built at the site of an important shrine of the Christian era. The church was originally damaged during the Ottoman period. This damage included the destruction of the original wooden elements of the building, as well as some of its frescoes. During the same period, the church was also used as a mosque for worshippers of the Muslim faith. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the church was completely restored. This was due in part to the efforts of one of Fier’s notables, Spiro Moisi. Moisi was a Greeks who had moved to Albania as part of a wave of Greek refugees fleeing their home during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s. Together with the help of the local Russian consulate, Moisi marshalled local and international resources to finance the restoration of the church. In 1869, the Saint Paraskevi Church was officially restored and declared as a monument of national culture. Today, the church remains a vital part of the local Christian Orthodox community and continues to serve as a reminder of Fier’s long and rich Christian heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Paraskevi Church is believed to have been built in the 14th century by two Italian brothers, Andrea and Duraku, on the ruins of an older church of Byzantine origin. 2. According to myth, Saint Paraskevi Church was built with funds donated by the Ottoman Sultan, Murad I, after he defeated a local Albanian leader in battle. 3. The church, which is of Byzantine architecture style, features frescoes from the 15th and 17th centuries. 4. The church's interior is filled with colorful designs and ornaments, including a fresco depicting the Christ Pantocrator above the main altar. 5. The church also features a rare marble slab on the floor, which is believed to be part of the original floor from the Byzantine era. 6. The bell tower of Saint Paraskevi Church is the highest in Fier and is said to have been constructed during the 17th century. 7. The church is listed as a Monument of Culture of First Category by the Albanian government. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era