Overview:

St. Mary's Church, Gjirokastër In Albania is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Gjirokastër in the district of Gjirokastër. It is the largest structure of its kind in the country and the most significant historical monument in Gjirokastër. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, the church is an outstanding example of Albanian religious architecture. It served as an important center of Catholic faith and culture for the people of Gjirokastër until the 20th century, when it was briefly used as an Orthodox cathedral under the Communist regime. Since Albania regained its freedom, St. Mary's Church has been fully restored to its former glory and is now a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Blue and white exterior: The exterior of St. Mary's Church is painted in two different colors: a bright blue and white. The church's iconic blue and white color scheme can be seen from far away and creates a striking contrast against the surrounding landscape. 2. Stone wall: St. Mary's Church is surrounded by a stone wall, which creates an additional barrier of protection for the church. 3. Arched windows: The church has a large arched window at the top of the main façade. This window lets natural light illuminate the interior of the church. 4. Tower: The church has an impressive tower, which stands out against the landscape and can be seen from far away. 5. Nave and transept: The interior of St. Mary's Church is divided into two sections: the nave and transept. The nave is the main body of the church and allows for rows of seating for worshippers. The transept is the side aisles of the church and provide access to the altar. 6. Golden icons: Inside the church, there are a number of beautiful golden icons hanging on the walls. The icons are mostly of religious figures such as Jesus and Mary. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

St. Mary's Church is a Catholic church in the city of Gjirokastër, Albania. The origins of St. Mary's Church date back to the thirteenth century, when the principality of Gjirokastër began to blossom after the death of Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1205. The church was initially a small parish chapel, however in the course of time it was enlarged and elevated to the status of a Basilica Minor in 1585. The original facade of the church, which was built by the local prince, is said to have been modeled on the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The church remained a thriving place of worship until the twentieth century, when Communists led by Enver Hoxha overthrew the monarchy and banned religion. St. Mary's Church was subsequently secularized in 1967 and put to use as a warehouse. After the fall of Communism in the 1990s, St. Mary's Church was returned to its traditional purpose and restored to its original grandeur. The process of restoration was completed in 2012, and today the church is a popular tourist attraction, visited by people of all faiths and backgrounds. The church is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of St. John, the patron saint of Gjirokastër. Today, St. Mary's Church is considered a symbol of Gjirokastër's rich history and culture. It is a popular destination for visitors to the city, who come to admire the church's historic architecture and the breathtaking views from the bell tower. The church continues to be a place of worship for the Catholic community of Gjirokastër, and is a source of pride and inspiration for the city's inhabitants. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Mary’s Church is located in Gjirokastër, Albania, a town in the south of the country. It is a Roman Catholic church and the seat of the Gjirokastër Diocese. 2. The church was built in the late 19th century and was designed by the renowned Italian architect, Antonio Meduni. 3. The structure of St. Mary's Church reflects a traditional Byzantine architectural style that includes three aisles, a nave, a balcony, a dome and two towers on either side. 4. The interior of the church is decorated with frescoes that depict various Biblical scenes and portraits of angels and saints. 5. The stained glass windows depict religious motifs and figures from the Bible. 6. St. Mary’s Church is a popular tourist destination and a source of pride for local residents. 7. The bell tower of the church is said to be the tallest in Albania. It is over 140 feet tall and contains six bells that can be heard from up to three miles away. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era