Last Updated on June 24, 2019 by PowersToTravel
Leaving the Bektashi mosque and the city of Berat behind, we headed west towards Ardenica, Albania, a drive of approximately 1 and 1/2 hrs through the countryside. Once again we were entertained by the variety of country life – the peculiar farm vehicles, the people doing business at the side of the road, walkers and half-completed houses.
Ardenica is a Byzantine monastery near the village of Kolonje, just north of the town of Fier. It is on a hill with excellent views over the farming valley.
From the outside it appeared to be simple Byzantine building, however we were stunned by its preserved gilded interior. Iconic paintings and golden wood carvings dominated the chapel of the small compound.
This building from the 6th century AD had been scheduled for demolition in the 1960s during dictator Hoxha’s purge of religious buildings. Former religious leaders and historians were able to make the case that this monastery should be saved since it was the site of the wedding of the great leader Skanderbeg, in 1451. Due to its historical importance, it was spared.
Diabetic Travel Tips
This is a tip for any woman – don’t think that you can wait and use the toilet here. It’s a disaster. There are gas stations on the way over. Don’t hesitate to stop at a shiny one. The bathrooms are generally good.
Related Links for Ardenica, Albania
More historical details – http://www.albania.al/node/640 however, note the map on their site is inaccurate. The map below is correct.
Check out this article of mine too:
Albania Travel Blog – Itinerary, Impressions and Diabetic Travel Tips
Nifty! Who would have thought that a 7th century wedding would have saved so beautiful a building. Maybe your dictator had a soft spot in his heart, though it’s more probable he had a soft spot for politics. \Your shot of the interior is wonderful–clear all the way through and really gives a sense of the place. By the way, your advice to female diabetics seems to me to apply to just about everyone.