Overview:

Zvernec Monastery, Zvërnec In Albania is located within the Shushica River Delta, in the northeastern part of the country. It is a medieval Orthodox Christian monastery, initially built in the 12th century, and then reconstructed in the 19th century. It is an important religious, historical, and artistic center, located near Durrës on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. A few of the monastery’s noteworthy features are its terraced bell tower, its cobblestone pathways, and its frescoes and icons dating back to the 15th century. The monastery complex includes a small church, a three-storey bell tower, a cemetery, and a museum with religious artifacts. It is listed as a Cultural Monument of Albania. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

one of the most prominent places to visit is the Zvernec Monastery. It is located on an island in Lake Shkodra, amid a beautiful nature scenery and a lively local culture. It is a beautiful monument of the Byzantine era, having been built around the 12th century. The monastery consists of a fortified church built in the form of a cross shaped basilica, surrounded by high walls. There are also three chapels, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Naum and the prophet Elijah. The monastery is a popular pilgrimage site for locals, as well as visitors. There is a small pier for boats to access the island, as well as a small museum inside dedicated to local culture and history. The monastery also serves as an important center for Christian worship and prayer.The monastery, which is a World Heritage Site, is also a great spot to simply relax, take in nature, and learn about local culture and history. It is free to visit, and can be reached by car, train, or boat. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Zvernec Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in the Vlorë County of Albania. It is located on a small island off the coast of the Ionian Sea, near the east coast town of Vlorë. The complex, which includes the Church of St. Mary, an open-air Bazaar, a functioning bell tower and numerous outbuildings and cells, is a protected monument of Albania and a popular tourist destination. The original Zvernec Monastery was first mentioned in documents from 1272, when it was granted to the ruler of Vlorë by the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. It is thought to have been founded in the 11th century. The original structure was damaged by an earthquake in 1624, but it was restored in the 17th century and has been in use ever since. During the Ottoman rule of Albania, the island was used as a resting place for Ottoman forces patrolling the Ionian Sea. The island became part of Albania with the country's independence in 1912. The Monastery was used as a storage facility during the First and Second World Wars. It has been open to the public since 1978. In 2017, the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Protection in Albania opened the island to the public, and the monastery was restored for religious services in 2019. It remains an important pilgrimage site for Albanians of all faiths. Sources # https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294427-d11170507-Reviews-Zvernec_Monastery-Vlore_Vlore_County.html # http://www.albaniatourism.com/en/hoxha/destination/zvernec-island # https://www.sacred-destinations.com/albania/zvernec-monastery # http://heritageinitiative.org/zvernec-monastery/ Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Zvernec Monastery, located on the northern shores of Lake Prespa in Albania, is a 13th-century Orthodox Christian monastery constructed of local stone and wood. It is one of the most important religious sites in the country. 2. The monastery’s main church, dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary, is a three-aisled structure with a dome. The church also contains several frescoes, painted by two Greek Byzantine artists, as well as two Christian graves. 3. The Zvernec Monastery was founded by the Bishop of Velestino, who renounced the worldly life and crossed Lake Prespa to a remote region near the present-day Albanian border. 4. In the early 20th century, the monastery survived the 1912-13 conflict between the Ottoman Empire and occupied Balkan territories. 5. By the late 20th century, Albanian authorities were intent on preserving the historical and cultural significance of Zvernec Monastery, and declared it a monument of culture and a national heritage site. 6. Today, the monastery continues to serve as an important Christian spiritual site, and is home to both Orthodox and Catholic monks. The monastery is also a popular tourist destination. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era