Visit St- Mary's Monastery in Kakome and Kroreza (Sarande)

Visit St- Mary's Monastery in Kakome and Kroreza (Sarande)

"Cultural Monument"

St. Mary's Monastery is listed as a cultural heritage of Albania.The monastery of Kakome is a fortified monastery, comprised of residential buildings situated in the two corners of the courtyard, and the church dedicated to

Saint Mary in the centre. It is constructed in the XIV century. The church belongs to the group of churches with three absidas. The nave is cross shaped and the church has a dome-shaped roof.

2-Kroreza Monastery ( Byzantine XIII AD)

Monastery of Krorez is situated on a hill, near the coast.The floor plan resembles a cross with a cupola and is similar to other Byzantine churches.The roof of the church is covered with stone slabs and the church itself dates to the post Byzantine period, with frescoes painted in 1672. It has a unique volume with the naos inside the structure that is divided from the altar by an iconostas, plastered in the wall. The bell is found above the freeze on the western wall.

We start the tour from Saranda at 9 am from your Hotel,Apartament etc

1-We will be at Kakome Monastery for 30-40 min and we have to walk about 5-10 min to arrive at the Monstery of Kakome . The Monastery was painted in 1672 by the painter Mihal Jerma. The painter's description is in Albanian, in Greek, and is considered as one of the earliest Greek inscriptions with the earliest recorded Greek letters.The Monastery was burned by Germans in World War II. Among the other rare relics, the "Gospel" was abducted, written over 500 pieces of beef skin, which is also visited at the Louvre Museum in Paris. A large part of the buildings has survived the time, some restored.

2-After this visit we go ahead to Kroreza Monastery by foot so we have to hike about 40min the Kroreza Mountain (difficulty level is medium) !

At this Monastery you will have the chance to experience a spectacular view from the top of the mountain . Kroreza Monastery is located on a hill with a sunning view from the Ionian sea. The floor plan resembles a cross with a cupola and is similar to other Byzantine churches found in

the area. The roof of the church is covered with stone slabs and the church itself dates to the post Byzantine period, with frescoes painted in 1672. It has a unique volume with the naos inside the structure that is divided from the altar by an iconostas, plastered in the

wall. The bell is found above the freeze on the western wall. Under the cupola there is a rosette with a six-edged star.