Saint Vlash Cave, Laç

 St. Vlash Cave near the church of Shna Ndout in Sebaste (Laç) of Kurbin is a holy place and closely connected with the history and cult of St. Vlash, a Christian martyr known for his act of sacrifice.

In the report of 1641, Bishop Mark Skura noted the existence of this cave saying: "There is the cave of Saint Vlashthe martyr, who was captured by some men called 'agricola', three miles from the town of Sebasta.'' the testimony proves the continuity of the cult of St. Vlash in this area since the Middle Ages.

The cult of Saint Vlash  has followed a wide spread in Upper Albania, becoming part of the country's cultural and religious heritage. The study of Stjefen Gjeçov, "Sebaste n Armëni apo n Arbni," brings an illumination of the traditions and history of the martyrdom of St. Vlash in this province, bringing different reviews and interpretations about this topic.

In the province of Mirdita, the churches dedicated to Saint Vlash have served as centers of cult and worship. Some of them are: St. Vlash in Malaya, known as the "Great Church of Kthella," mentioned by the 17th century relators. This church is thought to be early and has played an important role in the religious life of this area.

Saint Vlash of Sollomun (Manati), which is mentioned since 1407. This shows that the cult of Saint Vlash has followed for a long time in this province. In the area of Oroshi, the narrators of the 17th century mention a church dedicated to Saint Vlaš, highlighted as another sign of the spread of the cult in this region.

The early photograph shows that the Saint Vlash Cave in Laç was painted with frescoes, an artistic and cultural value which, unfortunately, was damaged after 1967. This period is known for the interventions and destruction of religious and cultural monuments, but the historical and cultural values of this country still remain, necessitating their protection and restoration to preserve the rich heritage of Albania.