The monastery in Ardenica is an Orthodox church 18 kilometers from the center of the Albanian town of Lushnje. It was built by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus II Paleologist in 1282 after winning the siege of the city of Berat. The church housed a large library of 32,000 volumes that were completely burned in a fire in 1932. For many years the monastery near the village of Ardenica was visited by believers of many faiths.
The temple complex consists of the church of the Mother of God, the Holy Trinity Chapel as well as a bakery, stable and entrance gate. The monastery was added to the chapel, which stood alone in this place. According to accounts, the monastery replaced the pagan temple of the goddess Artemis. The name of the town Ardenica comes from her name.
The monastery in Ardenica was very important among the local inhabitants. In 1451, Skanderbeg's wedding with Flower Pot Muzaka took place here. Skanderbeg was an Albanian leader and national hero. In the monastery, tourists can admire the frescoes of the Zografi brothers from Korcza, including the painting of the Seven Holy Husbands from 1744.
Attractions inside
