Overview:

is a Catholic church located in Delvinë, in south-western Albania. It is located at the entrance of the city and is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. The church has an interesting Baroque design with a single small dome. It has a large stone façade decorated with four statues spread over two levels. The roof has a distinctive shape with an ogee dome. The interior is equally as impressive featuring a fresco of the Madonna on the arch that separates the nave from the choir. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

• The Saint Peter and Paul Church in Delvinë is a historic Byzantine era church located in the center of the town and one of the most important religious monuments in Albania. • The church dates to the 14th century, but its original construction has since been altered and restored several times throughout history. • It is a single-nave structure with a horseshoe-vaulted roof. Three arched apses adorn the eastern side and a heptagonal bell-tower is located at the south-eastern corner of the church. • The facade of the building is decorated with limestone details, while the walls are painted in vivid colors. The interior is filled with frescoes depicting the life of Jesus, Mary and the saints. • The Saint Peter and Paul Church is a protected monument and designated a site of national importance. The church has served as the main site of Catholic religious services in Delvinë since the end of the 19th century. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is an 18th-century religious landmark in Delvinë, Albania. It was built in the Byzantine style and has been a part of the region's religious and cultural heritage for centuries. The church was built in 1737, as the Eparchial see of Delvinë, after the relocation of the Bishopric of Delvinë from the nearby Monastery of Saint Nicholas, Komino. Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of the city, and the Church was dedicated to Saint Peter and Paul in tribute to their spiritual guidance and contributions to the area. The church is a significant focal point for the local Orthodox community and is well-known in the region. It is most renowned for its richly decorated interior, adorned with elaborate frescoes, colorful panels depicting biblical events, and detailed marble carvings. The church also houses a number of holy relics, including the presumed bones of Saint Andrew, brought from Byzantium in the 10th century. The church has a long and storied past. It was damaged during the Second World War, but has since been restored and is in excellent condition. In the 1970s, it was used as a prison for political prisoners by the Communist regime of Enver Hoxha. However, it was quickly restored following the fall of the Communist government in 1991. Today, the Church is a popular tourist destination and is an important part of the local Orthodox community. The church hosts a number of services and religious events each year, including the annual Saint Peter and Paul Festival. Each year on June 27, the festival commemorates the lives and works of Saint Peter and Paul. On this day, the church is filled with singing and incense as members of the Orthodox community come together to celebrate. In addition, the church hosts a number of religious ceremonies, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The Saint Peter and Paul Church is an important part of Delvinë's religious and cultural heritage. It continues to be a significant inspiration to locals and visitors alike, and serves as a reminder of the long and rich history of the region. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Peter and Paul Church in Delvinë is thought to have been founded in the 4th century by St. Lucian, who was a Christian missionary from Antioch. 2. The church is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 13th century. 3. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër. 4. The church was built in honor of Alexander the Great, whose family is said to have lived in the surrounding area. 5. The church is situated on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Osumi Valley and the shores of Lake Ohrid. 6. The church complex includes the remains of a church, a monastery, and a burial ground. 7. Inside the church, one can find the remains of the icons of Saint Peter and Paul, as well as those of SS Agios and Theodore and SS Theodora and Mary. 8. A fresco of the Transfiguration of Jesus can also be found in the church. 9. The interior is decorated with traditional iconography that has been preserved in its original form. 10. The church also houses a religious museum with rare and interesting artifacts from the region. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era