Holy Resurrection Church, Mborje Explained

Holy Resurrection Church or St. Mary's Church, Mborje
Native Name:Kisha e Ristozit
Native Language:sq
Governing Body:DRKK Korçë
Designation1:Cultural Monument of Albania
Designation1 Date:1948/1971
Designation1 Partof:586 e 487417.03.1948, September 23, 1971
Designation1 Number:KO069
Designation1 Criteria:I
Designation1 Type:Architectural
Location:Mborje, Korçë County, Albania
Built:13th century to 1390
Coordinates:40.6058°N 20.8046°W

The Holy Resurrection Church is a Cultural Monument of Albania, in Mborje, Korçë County.[1] The church is dedicated to Saint Mary.[2]

History

The church 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 Albanian Orthodox Church 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 7.5m (24.6feet) at its highest.

Maintenance work was needed to avoid collapse in 2015.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Religious buildings with the "Culture Monument" status . Republic of Albania National Committee for Cult . October 28, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110706071224/http://kshk.gov.al/index.php?fq=brenda&gj=gj2&kid=19 . July 6, 2011 .
  2. Book: Gloyer, Gillian. The Bradt Travel Guide Albania. July 17, 2008. Bradt Travel Guides. 978-1-84162-246-0. 120–.
  3. Book: Karaiskaj . Gjergj . Monumente te Kultures ne Shqiperi, Vol. 2: November 8 . 1975 . 57.
  4. News: Korçë, nis rikonstruksioni kishës Shën Ristozi,më e vjetra në Ballkan . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lHdy2gNuDFo . 2021-12-21 . live. September 22, 2020 . A1 Report TV . April 6, 2015.