The Holy Tour in One day

Albanians have distinguished themselves for a unique interreligious tolerance, which bear links with the very history of the presence and co-existence of various religious creeds in regions populated by Albanians.

Kruje

Pick up from the hotel and drive to historic city of Kruja, the symbol of the resistance against the Turks that lies on a panoramic mountain, 600 m above sea level. Here we visit the Sari Saltik, a tekke dedicated to the Bektashi saint Sari Saltik built near the church of Saint Alexander, in 1789–99 by the Dollma family near the castle. Then we continue to Mount of Sarisaltiku and visit Sari–Salltiku Holy place mountain range and after that we visit the Museum of Skanderbeg, Ethnographic Museum, Teqja e Domllas, the Mosque in Kruja and the old bazaar of Kruja.

Lac

We then continue to Lac, a small town in north Albania. In southeast of Lac City is located the famous ‘Shën Ndoi’ Church, known for its miracles and the numerous pilgrims. Baptized with the name of “Shën Ndoi” (Saint Antonio of Padua), this church has an old legend. Over 15,000 pilgrims visit the church throughout the year, every Tuesday and Saturday, but the real pilgrimage starts 13 Tuesdays before 13 June. The pilgrims climb the hill on foot and in their way they stop by the places where the saint is said to have rested. They touch these spots while they pray. This church is considered as sacred by all people, regardless of their religion. It is believed that miracles have occurred there. In the lower part of the church is located the Shën Vlash cave, where a hermit lived. Frequently, people take things from this cave in sign of good fortune and health.

Lezhe

We then follow to Lezhe, one of the Albania’s most ancient cities, which in 1398, after the construction of its castle, was under control of the feudal family of Leke Dukagjini. Here we will visit the Catholic Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady Annunciate, and the Church of Metamorphosis in Lezha, which has been built on 2005 on a very visible place on the hill fronting the Scanderbeg Memorial. It has a typical byzantine style; we will also visit and the Mosque of the city and after this lovely experience we head back to the capital of Tirana. End of our Service.

What You Can Experience on the Religious Tour

• Mount of Sarisaltiku and visit Sari–Salltiku Holy Place
• ‘Shën Ndoi’ Church
• Catholic Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady Annunciate
• Church of Metamorphosis