Overview:

Saint Stephen Church, Përmet is an Eastern Orthodox church in Përmet, Albania. Constructed in the 14th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the area and a popular tourist attraction. It is a part of the National Monument of Culture since 1994, and is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is known for its magnificent architecture and its high frequency of paintings and décor from the Middle Ages. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian king of Hungary. The church is filled with medieval art and architecture and consists of three main sections: the narthex, the main nave and a chapel. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

- An example of Gothic architecture - Ornate interior with various frescoes, mosaics, Bible verses, stained glass, and marble sculptures - Three naves with four chapels in total - Large bell tower rising up over the church - Adjacent gardens and cemetery area - Stained glass windows depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The history of the Catholic Church of St. Stephen in Permet, Albania, dates back to the early 18th century. The church was built on a site that had been occupied since the 4th century AD, when a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary had been constructed. It was here that St. Stephen was martyred in 304 AD, having been arrested and then executed by the Romans for his Christian beliefs. The current structure was built in 1735 by Bishop Gjon Shllaku and was consecrated by the Bishop of Durazzo in 1737. The church still has the original stone bell tower, which is the tallest in Albania. Inside the church there are 3 prominent shrines dedicated to St. Stephen, the Virgin Mary, and St. Nicholas. The church is an important part of the history and culture of Përmet and has long served as a spiritual center for the Catholic population of the city. The church is open daily for services and also for visitors to stop and admire its architecture. It is particularly beautiful in the spring, when its bright yellow and orange painted exterior is illuminated by the sunlight. It also provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and hills. In 2013, the church was declared a national monument of Albania. The church continues to play an important role in the religious life of the city, both through the services it provides and by the contribution it makes to the arts and culture of Përmet. Global Handwashing Day Global Handwashing Day is an international campaign that promotes the importance of handwashing with soap and water as part of good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of disease. It is celebrated annually on October 15th and has been observed since 2008. This day is celebrated in more than 90 countries around the world and serves to draw attention to the importance of good hygiene practices in order to reduce the global burden of disease. It is celebrated in various ways by different countries, including festivals, seminars, public massages, and songs at schools and universities. In Albania, the event is organized by the Ministry of Health and supported by the World Health Organization. The main objective of Global Handwashing Day is to ensure that school children and adults alike adopt the habit of handwashing with soap and water upon arrival at home, work or school each day, after using the toilet, and before eating. Good hygiene practices can also help prevent the spread of pneumonia, diarrhea and other waterborne diseases, which are leading causes of death in many countries. Thus, this day serves as an important reminder to promote hygiene education and encourage people to practice proper handwashing. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Saint Stephen in Përmet, located in southeastern Albania, is the oldest standing church in Albania, dating back to the 13th century. 2. The church is also home to an 11th-century fresco, which is one of the oldest pieces of art to survive in Albania. 3. During its life, it has been variously a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church, and a Protestant church. 4. Saint Stephen Church was inscribed in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2019 for its exceptional importance in the spread and development of Albanian Christianity. 5. The church is also a symbol to the local community and a key source of national pride. 6. Local legend surrounds the church, with tales of “mental waiters” blessing the faithful in return for offerings to the church. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era