Zvërnec Monastery

The path to the monastery begins with a walk across the wooden bridge over the lagoon's shallow waters. The bridge forks midway: the left path leads to a fishing dock and viewing platform, the right leads straight to the island. On both sides – shallow waters with crabs, occasional herons and pelicans. At the bridge entrance, metal flamingo sculptures reference the colony of 3,000 greater flamingos that inhabit the lagoon.

On the island – silence and pine shade. The main building is St. Mary's Church, built in the Byzantine "free cross" style with a dome. Inside, medieval frescoes and woodcarvings survive. In the monastery courtyard lies the grave of Marigo Posio – the woman who embroidered Albania's independence flag in 1912. On the island's far side, ruins of the Holy Trinity Church are accessible via a narrow forest path.

The monastery is active: a caretaker lives on site permanently. On August 14–15, the Feast of the Assumption draws pilgrims who arrive the evening of the 14th, spend the night on the island with traditional songs and dances, and attend services on the 15th.

Age – monastery dates to the 13th–14th century, one of the best-preserved Byzantine churches in Albania

Island – 430 × 300 m, covered in Mediterranean pines, connected to shore by a 270 m wooden bridge

Frescoes – medieval wall paintings and 13th-century woodcarvings survive inside the church

Marigo Posio's grave – burial site of the woman who embroidered Albania's first independence flag (1912)

Lagoon – the monastery sits within Narta Lagoon, home to 3,000 flamingos and over 200 bird species

According to researcher Aleksandër Meksi, St. Mary's Church was built in the 13th–14th century in the characteristic Byzantine "free cross" style with a dome. The older section includes the nave and narthex with a semicircular apse. For centuries, the monastery served as an active religious center for the Vlora region. In 1932, Marigo Posio was buried here – the craftswoman who embroidered the flag under which Ismail Qemali declared Albanian independence on November 28, 1912.

During Enver Hoxha's communist regime (1944–1991), the monastery was closed and Marigo Posio's grave was lost. In the 1980s, it was rediscovered after a letter from a relative prompted a search. After communism fell, the monastery was restored and returned to the Albanian Orthodox Church. Today it is both an active monastery and one of the most visited historical sites in the Vlora area.

From central Vlora (13 km, 20 min by car):

– By car through the Narta area, along a road through pine forest. Free parking at the bridge

– Taxi – 1,000–1,500 ALL (≈ €10–15 / $11–16) one way

– Car rental – convenient for exploring the lagoon and surroundings

Public transport:

No direct bus to Zvërnec Island. From Vlora, you can take a bus to Narta village, then walk 2–3 km.

On site:

From parking to the monastery – 10–15 minutes across the wooden bridge (270 m) and along the island path.

Season: April–October is comfortable. Spring (April–May) is best for birdwatching in the lagoon.

Time of day: Morning – quiet, cool, good light for photography. The bridge has no shade – midday is hot.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours for the bridge crossing, monastery visit, island walk, and return.

Special date: August 14–15 – Feast of the Assumption with an overnight pilgrimage and church services.