St. Michael's Church, Berat, Medieval Orthodox church on hilltop in Berat, Albania
St. Michael's Church is a medieval Orthodox church sitting on a hilltop near Berat, combining rows of red brick with stone walls and topped by a dome. The dome rests on a cylindrical drum without internal supports, creating an open interior space.
The church was built in 1301 and marks an important period of architectural progress in medieval Albanian religious construction. This era shaped the religious building methods of the region significantly.
The church displays Byzantine features such as its cross-shaped floor plan and stepped arches framing the windows. These design elements remain visible and shape how the building appears today.
You can reach the church by walking uphill for about 10 minutes along the Hermit's Path. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail is steep and can be challenging depending on weather conditions.
The church sits on a steep rocky outcrop outside the Kalaja district, with windows positioned to frame views of the Osum River. This location makes it a special vantage point overlooking the landscape.
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