St. Mary's Monastery: A Byzantine Jewel on Zvërnec Island
Discover a serene Byzantine monastery on a picturesque island in Albania's Narta Lagoon, accessible by a charming wooden footbridge.
Located on a small island in the Narta Lagoon near Vlorë, Albania, St. Mary's Monastery is a captivating Byzantine monument. Accessible via a wooden footbridge, this well-preserved monastery dates back to the 13th-14th centuries, showcasing Albania's rich Orthodox Christian heritage.
A brief summary to St. Mary's Monastery
- GC82+XX3, Zvërnec, AL
- 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
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk across the wooden bridge and exploring the island.
- Dress modestly when visiting the monastery to respect its sacred nature; covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the Narta Lagoon to see flamingos and other wildlife.
Getting There
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Walking
From the parking area near the wooden bridge, it's a short walk across the 270-meter bridge to Zvërnec Island. The bridge offers scenic views of the Narta Lagoon and surrounding pine forests. The path is generally flat and easy to navigate. There is no cost to walk across the bridge.
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Public Transport
From Vlorë, take a bus towards Saranda and ask the driver to drop you off at the Zvërnec stop. The bus ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes. From the bus stop, it's about a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) to the foot of the wooden bridge that leads to the monastery. Bus fare is around 100 Albanian Lek (approximately 1 USD).
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Vlorë. A one-way taxi trip to Zvërnec Monastery costs approximately 1500-2000 Albanian Lek and takes about 20 minutes. Ask the taxi driver to drop you off near the wooden bridge.
Discover more about St. Mary's Monastery
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