St Mary's Church, Orthodox church in Leusë, Albania
St Mary's Church sits on a hillside behind Përmet with a traditional Orthodox layout of narthex, naos, altar, and porch. The structure spans across the hilltop, featuring stone construction adapted to the terrain.
The original structure dates to the 6th century during Emperor Justinian I's reign, while the current building was reconstructed in the 18th century. This rebuilding shows how the site continued serving as a religious center across different historical periods.
The interior displays religious murals and an intricately carved iconostasis that reflect the artistic traditions practiced by local craftspeople over centuries. These works represent how deeply this place has been woven into the spiritual lives of the surrounding communities.
Reaching the church requires a 30 to 40 minute hike from Përmet's center, as road conditions make driving unsuitable. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and plan accordingly for the uphill walk.
The murals were completed in 1812 while the iconostasis was carved in 1817, showing that decorative work happened long after the building's reconstruction. This staggered timeline reveals that adorning the church was a gradual process carried out over several years.
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