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
LocationMborje, Korçë County, Albania
Coordinates40.6058°N 20.8046°E / 40.6058; 20.8046
Built13th century to 1390
Cultural Monument of Albania
TypeArchitectural
CriteriaI
Designated1948/1971
Part of586 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]

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. Gloyer, Gillian (July 17, 2008). The Bradt Travel Guide Albania. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 120–. ISBN 978-1-84162-246-0.
  3. Karaiskaj, Gjergj (1975). Monumente te Kultures ne Shqiperi, Vol. 2: November 8. p. 57.
  4. "Korçë, nis rikonstruksioni kishës Shën Ristozi,më e vjetra në Ballkan". A1 Report TV. April 6, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2020.


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