Ardenica Monastery

Ardenica Monastery is a Byzantine Orthodox complex in Lushnjë municipality featuring several buildings arranged on elevated ground. The site includes the Church of Saint Mary, a Trinity Chapel, residential quarters, an oil mill, and various support structures.

The monastery was founded in 1282 by Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos following his military victory against Angevin forces at the siege of Berat. This foundation marked an important moment for Byzantine influence in the region.

The Church of Saint Mary displays frescoes by brothers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi, depicting religious scenes and local saints. These artworks remain visible evidence of Orthodox artistic tradition within the complex.

The monastery sits about 18 kilometers south of Lushnjë along the national road toward Fier on elevated terrain. A visit requires good walking readiness because of the hillside location and distance from nearby settlements.

The site housed a theological school with a library of about 32,000 volumes until 1932, when a fire destroyed the entire collection. This loss marked the end of a scholarly community that had operated at this location for centuries.

Location: Lushnjë municipality

Inception: 13 century

Founders: Andronikos II Palaiologos

Architectural style: Byzantine architecture

Made from material: rock

GPS coordinates: 40.81861,19.59250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53