Background

St Mary Church: A Byzantine Jewel in Labovë e Poshtme

Discover St Mary Church in Labovë e Poshtme: a historical Byzantine treasure with stunning frescoes and a rich cultural legacy dating back to the 6th century.

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Nestled in the village of Labovë e Poshtme, St Mary Church stands as one of Albania's oldest and most revered Greek Orthodox churches. Dating back to the 6th century, this magnificent structure showcases exquisite Byzantine architecture, intricate frescoes, and stunning stonework.

A brief summary to St Mary Church

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • If the church is closed, ask a local to contact the caretaker to unlock it.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Labove's Fortress for a glimpse into Albania's historic past.
  • Engage with the locals to gain deeper insights into the church's history and the Orthodox faith in Albania.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Labovë e Poshtme, the church is easily accessible on foot. Follow the main road through the village, and you'll find the church located a short distance away. The walk is generally easy, allowing you to take in the peaceful atmosphere of the village.

  • Public Transport

    From Gjirokastër, take a local bus heading towards Libohovë. Ask the driver to drop you off at Labovë e Poshtme. From the bus stop in Labovë e Poshtme, the church is a short walk. Bus fare from Gjirokastër to Labovë e Poshtme is approximately 150-200 ALL. Note that public transport in Albania may not be well-organized.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Gjirokastër. A taxi ride to Labovë e Poshtme will take approximately 20 minutes. Expect to pay around 2000-3000 ALL. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about St Mary Church

St Mary Church, also known as the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, is a cultural and historical monument located in the village of Labovë e Poshtme, near Libohova. It is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Albania, with its original construction dating back to 554 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. According to legend, Justinian built the church in memory of his mother or as a reward to a local commander named Konstandin Laboviti. While the original foundation dates back to the 6th century, some historians believe that the current structure is more representative of a 10th to 13th-century reconstruction during the Despotate of Epirus. The church features a typical Byzantine design, characterized by a high central dome, a cruciform plan, and a later narthex providing the main entrance. Inside, visitors can admire nine distinct levels of well-preserved frescoes that narrate biblical stories and display the artistic skills of the period. For centuries, the church housed a golden cross believed to contain a fragment of the True Cross of Jesus. This precious relic, covered with 600 grams of gold, was stolen in 1989 during a period of civil unrest. Due to the importance of the cross, the village became known as "Labova of the Cross". Today, St Mary Church remains a significant pilgrimage site, with people from the region gathering every year on September 8th to celebrate the Day of St Mary.

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