St. Mary's Monastery, Zvërnec, Byzantine monastery on Zvërnec Island, Albania
St. Mary's Monastery is a Byzantine monastery on an island within the Narta Lagoon, built with a cross-shaped layout and featuring a central sarcophagus. The structure displays traditional Byzantine architectural elements with stone walls and a characteristic dome.
The monastery was built in the 13th century during the region's medieval religious flourishing. It was designated as a Cultural Monument of Albania in 1963.
The monastery houses an important icon of St. Mary created by Tërpo Zografi, an 18th century Albanian artist, which visitors can still see today. The work reflects the artistic traditions of the region and continues to be venerated.
To reach the monastery, visitors walk through a pine forest and cross a wooden bridge connecting the mainland village to the island. The path is straightforward and takes just a few minutes from the nearby settlement.
The monastery cemetery contains the grave of Marigo Posio, who embroidered the first Albanian flag raised in 1912. This connects the spiritual site to a pivotal moment in Albanian national history.
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