St. Mary of Blachernae Church (Berat)

The St. Mary of Blachernae Church (Albanian: Kisha e Shën Mëri Vllahernës) is a Byzantine church in Berat, Albania. It is named after the famous Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, near the Palace of Blachernae in Constantinople. It is believed that the church was built on the foundations of a ruined 5th century church that existed at the same place. The church is regarded as one of Berat's most important historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Berat and Albania.

St. Mary of Blachernae Church Albanian: Kisha e Shën Mëri Vllahernës
St. Mary of Blachernae Church of Berat
Location	Berat, Berat County  Albania
Coordinates	40°42′33″N 19°56′39″E
Built	thirteenth century
Cultural Monument of Albania
Designated	1948[1]

The church dates mainly from the 13th century and contains impressive frescoes and icons on its interior walls and ground from the 16th century.[2][3] The paintings that dates from the 16th century were mostly produced by Nicholas Onufri, the son of the more famous Onufri.[4]

The church has a rectangular narthex.

See also

• Tourist attractions in Berat
• Culture of Albania
• Architecture of Albania
• Byzantine churches in Albania

References

1. "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.
2. Stefanka Kokoli. "The Medieval City of Berat and Iconography in the Post-Byzantine Period: a historical overview" (PDF). saspjournals.com. p. 4.
3. "Kisha e Shën Mëri Vllahernës" (in Albanian). Retrieved 6 November 2010.
4. Klodjana Gjata, Marsela Demaj, Ronela Çuku. "Architecture, identity and phases of construction of the Byzantine church of St. Mary Vllaherna – Berat/Albania" (PDF). dspace.epoka.edu.al.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)