Saint Mary's Church, Pogradec

Saint Mary's Church is located in the center of Pogradec. It is otherwise known as the church of "The Dormition of Saint Mary". The church is thought to have been built at the beginning of the XIX century.

About the place where the church would be built and about the Saint to whom it would be dedicated according to tradition, it is said that: "It was a woman's dream, of a recurring vision of her appearing as Mary, who requested the construction of a shelter by defining and the country".

This church was destroyed in 1967 during the regime's general attack on religious cults. It was completely destroyed, with all its cultural and artistic values. During its destruction, the event that is still talked about today took place. The person who wanted to knock down the bell miraculously escaped death. The bell rolled off the ringer and touched it lightly on the head, before it fell to pieces on the floor, emitting its last sounds, as if to warn that the Sleeping Lady, to whom it was dedicated, would wake again...

Its reconstruction or reawakening took place in the same place, in 1996. Also on August 6 of the same year, Archbishop Anastas blessed it, while Father Todi Jovani celebrated the first liturgy.

Today, the church of Saint Mary celebrates big and small holidays, baptisms are performed inviting all believers with the sound of the new bell, which echoes in the amazing blue spaces of Pogradec.