Basilica of Saint Michael, Minor basilica in Arapaj, Albania.
The Basilica of Saint Michael is an early Christian church that has been partially excavated and still shows remains of its original structure. The interior was decorated with mosaics and featured multiple entrances that accommodated worshippers and visitors.
The church was founded in the early 400s and served for several centuries as an important site of Christian faith in the region. It was eventually abandoned after religious and political conditions shifted in this part of Europe.
The name reflects Christian traditions that once took root in this region. The mosaics on the walls show how people gathered here to pray, and their patterns reveal Eastern influences in local religious life.
The site is located on an archaeological dig near Durrës and is enclosed by a fence to protect the remains. Visit in the morning when it is cooler and the light is better for viewing the excavated structures.
The basilica contains a burial chamber on the south side where archaeologists found the remains of two individuals. These discoveries offer a rare glimpse into burial practices and the lives of believers in this early Christian community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
