Shen Mehill's Basilica

The Basilica of Shen Mehill in the village of Arapaj in Durrës exhibits an extraordinary archaeological wealth and is an important evidence of the Byzantine period in Albania. Built at the beginning of the 6th century, it rises on a hill on the western side of the village, making it visible to all who pass by on the road that connects the south of Albania with the central region and further with the north.

The basilica has an impressive size, measuring 65 meters in length and 28 meters in width, making it the largest basilica discovered to date in Albania. The monument is divided into three naves and has three apses, while the side annexes to the north and south add to the architectural complexity. The colonnaded atrium surrounds an inner courtyard, giving it a special character.

In the heart of the basilica there is a polychrome mosaic, unique in terms of its size and motifs. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures are accompanied by plant and geometric decor, creating a rare work of art for the Byzantine period of the 6th century. This mosaic belongs to the reign of Emperor Justinian, following the style and technique of the work of that time.

The special feature of the basilica is the monumental tomb (martyrium) located next to the southern nave. This tomb constitutes an underground floor with mosaics, shows different phases of construction (5th century and 12th-14th centuries) and adds to the historical complexity of the site.

Although it was declared a First Category Cultural Monument in 1987, the basilica is in a deplorable state today.