Hiking to the Saraqinisht monastery

Hiking: 6.1 km
Type: One way
Duration: 1h 30 min
Difference in altitude: 123 m + and 268 m -

Today, we'll have the chance to hike towards the Saraqinisht monastery, a hiking adventure that will take us on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Albanian nature. Saraqinisht is a small village in the former municipality of Antigonë, in the county of Gjirokastër, in southern Albania.
The hike begins at the park of Antigonea, founded by Pirro of Epir in the 3rd century BC. Along the way, you'll enjoy fantastic views across the valley to Gjirokastra.
You'll visit the Spile monastery dating from 1634. The cross-shaped nave was painted by the painter Mihali in the time of Bishop Kallist. You'll admire the vivid colors of the frescoes and the rebellious style of the mural painting. It has been damaged over the years, but only two churches have survived the old complex. The 400-year-old Church of St. Mary, built in the 16th century (1635), is entirely decorated with open-air murals and biblical motifs. The other church is Shen Kolli, set in a cave on the mountainside 30m above ground level.
Afterwards, you'll walk to the village of Saraqinisht, where we plan to enjoy a traditional meal with one of the village families.

Return to Gjirokaster