Overview:

Saint Procopius Church is a historic Eastern Orthodox church in Berat, Albania. The church is located in the historical center of the old city, and is believed to have been built in the early eighteenth century, with the bell tower added in 1810. The church underwent reconstruction in 1875 but retained its traditional architectural style. The interior of the church consists of three altars and several old icons, one of which is dedicated to Saint Procopius. The church is also known for its finely-crafted carvings and murals that depict biblical scenes. The church is open to the public, and visitors can explore the interior and learn about the centuries-old history of the church. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic Architecture: The Saint Procopius Church is constructed of travertine limestone block and influenced by Gothic architecture, a distinct type of architecture which took shape in the mid-12th century. Its main characteristic is its pointed arches and ribbed vaults creating a sense of verticality. 2. Fresco Paintings: Within Saint Procopius Church, there are numerous paintings that date back to the 16th century. The fresco paintings depict many Christian figures, including Jesus, the Virgin Mary and various saints and angels. These paintings provide an insight into the artistic and religious values held by those who created them. 3. Colorful Interior: The walls of the church are painted with vibrant colors, which is a testament to the skill of the artists who executed the murals. The interior also includes numerous tapestries, all of which have been created with intricate detail. 4. Bell Tower: The bell tower of the Saint Procopius Church is constructed on the north side of the building. The tower is ornamented with a tall, slender spire, which rises above the surrounding buildings and can be spotted from a distance. 5. Cultural Significance: The Saint Procopius Church is an important heritage site in Berat, Albania. Its cultural significance lies in its role as a link between the past and present, and it stands as a testament to the city's long and complex history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

St. Procopius Church is one of the oldest churches in Berat, Albania. It is located near the Saint Mary Old Church in the northern part of the city. The church was built in the 16th century, but it was rebuilt in the 19th century. The current structure of St. Procopius Church was inspired by Ottoman and byzantine styles of architecture. The church is dedicated to St. Procopius, a Byzantine monk who was martyred in the 7th century AD. He was sent to Albania by the Byzantine emperor, Constantine V, to convert the locals to Christianity. The church was constructed shortly after his martyrdom, and was named in his honor. The church is one of the most popular tourist sites in Berat, and it is visited by people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is an important religious building for the Greek Orthodox community in the city, and a place of pilgrimage for Albanian Christians. Every year, on the feast day of St. Procopius, thousands of believers visit the church to honor the saint. The church is also known for its beautiful murals inside. Visitors can see the paintings of Saints Kosmas, Damianos, Paraskeva and Bessarion. St. Procopius Church has been through many hardships throughout its history. During the Ottoman occupation, it was severely damaged and used as a mosque. In the Communist era, it was all but abandoned and in desperate need of repair. During the rule of Enver Hoxha, the building was expropriated and used by the army. In 1990, with the fall of Communism, the church was given back to the local Greek Orthodox community. It was then restored and reopened for religious services. Today, the St. Procopius Church is one of the most beloved and important religious sites in Berat. It is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year, and its simple yet majestic beauty serves as a reminder of the rich history of the city and its people. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Procopius Church is a 13th-century Orthodox church located in the city of Berat, in the historical region of Albania. 2. This church has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2008. 3. The original building was a single-nave basilica, built in the late 13th century and was dedicated to Saint Procopius of Tsarigrad. 4. It is one of the oldest standing churches in Albania and it has been greatly embellished throughout the years. 5. Inside the church is the altar of archbishops, one of the oldest surviving relics from the Byzantine era. 6. This altar is believed to have been used by the first archbishop of Berat, Anastasius of Ohrid, who was appointed to the church in 1346. 7. The exterior of the church is covered with a remarkable fresco painting, depicting the 12 Apostles. 8. The interior of the church is adorned with other impressive frescoes, depicting stories from the Old Testament. 9. The church also houses icons of various saints and religious figures, which are highly venerated by Orthodox Christians. 10. Overtime, the church has been damaged by several earthquakes and has undergone several reconstructions and renovations. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era