Shirgj Monastery, Benedictine monastery ruins in Shirq, Albania
Shirgj Monastery is a ruined religious structure standing near the Buna River, with its southern wall remaining as the main visible feature. The surviving stonework displays Gothic and Romanesque architectural details from medieval construction.
The monastery was founded in the late 13th century and dedicated to two saints, though an older religious building occupied the site before this construction. The structure became a burial ground for members of a powerful medieval dynasty.
This monastery served as a burial place for Catholic members of a medieval Serbian dynasty, making it significant for the region's religious identity. The site reflects the spiritual importance it held for local communities over centuries.
The ruins can be reached via main roads in Shkodër County and are located close to the Buna River. The site consists of partial remains, so visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and limited structures.
Painted frescoes once decorated the interior walls and lasted for many centuries before gradually fading away. Church bells were also intentionally buried at the site during a period of regional upheaval.
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