Holy Resurrection Church, Mborje
The Holy Resurrection Church (Albanian: Kisha e Ristozit) is a Cultural Monument of Albania, in Mborje, Korçë County.[1] The church is dedicated to Saint Mary.[2]
| Holy Resurrection Church or St. Mary's Church, Mborje | |
|---|---|
| Native name Albanian: Kisha e Ristozit | |
 Exterior of the church | |
| Location | Mborje, Korçë County, Albania |
| Coordinates | 40.6058°N 20.8046°E |
| Built | 13th century to 1390 |
Cultural Monument of Albania | |
| Type | Architectural |
| Criteria | I |
| Designated | 1948/1971 |
| Part of | 586 e 487417.03.1948, September 23, 1971 |
| Reference no. | KO069 |
  Location of Holy Resurrection Church or St. Mary's Church, Mborje in Albania | |
History
One of the oldest churches in the Balkans, it has several possible construction dates. One tradition holds that it was built in 896 in honor of Pope Clement I, while another attests to construction in the 14th century.[3] The church lies at the foot of Mount Morava just southeast of Korçë, and features anonymous frescoes dating to 1390. On the 40th Day after death each year, pilgrims of the Orthodox Church of Albania flock to the church.
Description
At the time it was built, the church was under the rule of the Lordship of Berat, dominated by the Muzaka family of feudal lords. A bishop named Nimfoni collected funds for construction from 1389 to 1390. A striking if small edifice, it belongs to a group of churches with an engraved cross lacking internal reinforcement. A central square cella topped with a dome forms the center, connected by two open gates (one to the south and one to the west) with the portico. The church is only 7.5 metres (25 ft) at its highest.
Maintenance work was needed to avoid collapse in 2015.[4]
External links
References
- "Religious buildings with the "Culture Monument" status". Republic of Albania National Committee for Cult. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
- Gloyer, Gillian (July 17, 2008). The Bradt Travel Guide Albania. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 120–. ISBN 978-1-84162-246-0.
- Karaiskaj, Gjergj (1975). Monumente te Kultures ne Shqiperi, Vol. 2: November 8. p. 57.
- "Korçë, nis rikonstruksioni kishës Shën Ristozi,më e vjetra në Ballkan". A1 Report TV. April 6, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2020.