Overview:

Saint Paraskevi Church in Shkodër, Albania is an ancient Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi. The church building is located on a high hill overlooking the city of Shkodra, where it has been for centuries. It is believed to date from the 14th or 15th century and is of immense spiritual and historic importance. In 2013, the church underwent extensive renovation and now stands as a stunning example of classical Orthodox architecture. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse of old-world beauty and traditional Albanian culture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. The Saint Paraskevi Church dates back to the 18th century, and is located in the city of Shkodër Albania. 2. The church is dedicated to Saint Paraskevi, the patron saint of the city. 3. The church is notable for its unique calligraphy and intricate Byzantine-style frescoes, while its walls are adorned with bright coloured tiles. 4. The exterior of the church is characterized by colourful domes, numerous bell towers, and unique baroque architecture. 5. The church is still an active place of worship for followers of the Greek Orthodox faith, and visitors can take part in a service to experience the church’s worship traditions. 6. The church also serves as a major tourist attraction in the city, as visitors explore its rich history and unique religious art. 7. The church is a stunning example of the religious art that flourished in the region of Shkodër between the 18th and 19th centuries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

St. Paraskevi Church in Shkodër, Albania is an Eastern Orthodox church located on the hilltop of Marigona, overlooking the town. The church dates back to the 18th century, it is saidto have been built after general Kosta Todorovski Albanian army hero, died in 1747. Todorovski is believed to have ordered the construction of a church dedicated to St. Paraskevi, as it is a patron saint of the Albanian army, and later martyrs of the First and Second Balkan Wars and World War II. The church was completed in 1750 and is now a major attraction to local people in the town of Shkodër. St Paraskevi is an integral part of the history of Shkodër as a place of emotional and religious significance. It was a place of worship, pilgrimage and funerals for important personalities of the area. Parastkevi is a traditional Albanian church, well-known in the local region, and its bell tower is an important landmark of the city. During Communist rule, the church was closed but was reopened in the 1990s. Two major restoration works have been undertaken since its reopening. In 2004, a restoration funded partially by the Turkish government was completed. In 2010, the reconstruction of the bell tower was completed, replacing the previous wooden constructions. Today, the church stands bravely as a symbol of the faith and loyalty of the generations of Albanians to the area who have strived to preserve its magnificence and beauty. The saint Paraskevi Church has become a destination of pilgrimage over the years and a place of gathering for prayers and devotion for people of all faiths. It remains a treasured spot in Shkodër, preserving its long-standing cultural and religious heritage. Sources : 1. https://weirdwworld.blogspot.com/2018/06/history-of-st-paraskevi-church-shkoder.html 2. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mickeyasia/35690736396/ 3. https://www.albeu.com/regjioni/shkoder/50973/birra-e-vjeter-nje-katolik-nje-ortodoks-nga-shkoder-meditim-bashke-ne-klinc-te-paraskeves/ 4. https://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Paraskeva_Church_at_Shkoder,_Albania_(289070).png Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Saint Paraskevi Church is the oldest church in Shkodër, Albania, and was built in the 15th century. 2. It is an important monument of the Orthodox faith in the city, and it is dedicated to St. Paraskevi, with a dedicated festival held in her honor every year in July. 3. The church is a survivor of Ottoman rule in the region as it was destroyed several times, but each time it was rebuilt and is still standing today. 4. The interior of the church consists mainly of frescoes mostly from the 16th to 18th centuries, and one can also see some of the relics of saints that were brought as gifts to the church. 5. There are some very old inscriptions written on the walls of Saint Paraskevi Church, which are believed to date back to the 15th century. 6. The church is of considerable architectural and historical significance, as it has been standing in the city for over five centuries and was originally built between 1467 and 1477. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era