Overview:

is a Catholic church built in 1830 located in the city of Berat, Albania. It is located in the center of Berat, in the old quarter of Gorice, and is the largest Catholic church in the city. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was first built in a Gothic style, later changing to a Byzantine Rite in 1948. A painting of the Virgin Mary, painted in the cathedral, is said to have miraculous powers of healing and protection. The church has a number of paintings, frescos and icons from the 19th century. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

• Tower of St. Mary's church: Located in the centre of the city, the impressive tower of the St. Mary's church is a prominent feature of the Christian monument. The tower provides visitors with a great view of the historic old town district, surrounded by the lush Berat mountains.
• Characteristic Cupola: The churches cupola is built in a characteristic Albanian style, with a unique combination of the Byzantine and Neo-classical styles.
• Iconostasis Sculptures: The church's beautiful iconostasis is made of carefully sculpted wood, decorated with religious figures and floral motifs.
• Mosaics: The walls of the church are adorned with spectacular mosaics depicting the life and miracles of Jesus.
• Intricate Frescoes: The dome and walls of the church are covered in intricate frescoes of the period, as well as religious motifs.
• Grotto of The Holy Trinity: A grotto dedicated to the Holy Trinity is an important site in the church, and the water from it is said to have healing properties.

You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

St. Mary's Church is an Eastern Orthodox church located in the city of Berat, in western Albania. It is believed to date back to at least the late 12th century and is one of the oldest churches in Albania. It is renowned as a significant example of early Byzantine architecture and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church was initially constructed at some point in the 12th century probably by the Byzantine Empire. It was rebuilt during the 15th century and underwent many subsequent alterations and renovations over its long history, including some damage caused by a 19th-century earthquake. St. Mary's Church is an excellent example of Byzantine-style architecture and features a large dome, arched porticos and two bell towers. It holds a significant collection of Byzantine paintings and icons, some of which date back to the 14th century. St. Mary's Church is thought to have been founded in the 11th century by a Byzantine Emperor, Alexios I Komnenos. It is likely that the church was originally Orthodox but it was converted to Roman Catholicism in the late 15th century as the area became ruled by the Venetian Republic. Following the Ottoman conquest of the city in the 15th century, the church was again converted back to Orthodoxy but suffered damage during various wars and was used as a granary and military barracks at various points in its history. In 2001, St. Mary's Church was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was officially recognised as a testament to the archiving of Albanian culture and civilisation. Since then, the church has become a popular tourist attraction and its significance to the region has been further increased. Today, St. Mary's Church is an important part of the cultural and religious heritage of the city of Berat. It serves as an example of the deep history of the area and is open to visitors year-round. - Source https://www.lasthomelandstravel.com/st-marys-church-berat/ https://www.unesco.org/list/11810 Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Mary's Church is believed to have been founded in the year 1319, making it one of the oldest surviving churches in Albania. 2. It is believed that St. Mary's Church was built on the foundations of an older church that was constructed in the 5th century. 3. The church is located on a hill that is known as the "Mountain of the Cross". It is said that the hill was an ancient Illyrian fortress and the walls of the church incorporate parts of that fortress. 4. Inside the church you can find ancient frescoes that date back from the 17th century. They are believed to have been painted by famous local artists. 5. The church is highly regarded in the area and serves as the main center of the Catholic faith in Berat. It is also believed to be the birthplace of Catholicism in the area. 6. St. Mary's Church is an active church and is known for its religious activities, especially during the summer. Every Sunday, a large group of people gather to pray and participate in religious events. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era