MOTHER-OF-GOD CHURCH IN ELBASAN
This old Orthodox church in the citadel has undergone many transformations. It preserves an icon and a fresco by Onufri.
This Orthodox church(Kisha Fjetja e Shën Marisë) is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, the equivalent of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary for Catholics. Built in several phases from 1486 onwards, it has undergone considerable alteration and destruction over the course of its history. This is reflected in its complex structure: an inscribed cross plan, a gallery of arcades and a curious brick bell tower. It does, however, house some valuable works of art. Its wooden iconostasis, dating from 1870, is finely carved with a wealth of details (symbolic animals, garlands of flowers, etc.). The wall also contains an icon by Albania's greatest painter, Onufri (16th century). This is a rare and beautiful depiction of the archangels Michael and Gabriel worshipping Christ, having left their spears and shields at their feet. The fresco of Christ Pantocrator in the dome is also by the great master of the Berat school, but of a much less accomplished level. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated for what it is: a survivor. For all the other frescoes have disappeared. The oldest were lost in a fire in 1812. The new frescoes, executed in 1830, were destroyed during the atheist campaign of 1967. What's more, the building is now run by a faction of priests who have broken with the official Albanian Orthodox Church, which they feel is far too Greek-influenced.
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