Ιερός Ναός Παναγίας, Λάμποβο του Σταυρού

Immersion into a unique Byzantine church.

This place is unique. A small church of the 10th century with incredible frescoes and sculpture. I was very happy to be able to see the pieces of art from this close. Please be respectful and do not touch anything to make sure it lasts many more centuries. Most of the street to get there is new and in good condition. There are a few km still to finish but the ride is quite pleasant especially on an Autumn day as we did.

One of best churchs in Albania

Amazing place and very nice people!

Labova e Kryqit. The construction of the church dates back to around the 5th century e.s. To the church of Labova, Emperor Justinian donated a piece of the sacred wood of the cross of the crucifixion of Christ and a golden manuscript of St. John Chrysostom. Historical evidence mentions the fact that it was built in honor of Kostandin Labovit, a distinguished swordsman and one of the trusted men of Emperor Justinian. The Latin emperor gifted him this church, as a form of reward for his contribution to the wars. Five years after its construction, one of Emperor Justinian's confidants donated to the church a cross weighing 4 kg, which weighed almost 600 grams of gold. Immediately after that, the village was renamed Labova e Kryqit. Every September 8, Labova celebrates "St. Mary's Day", a holiday that brings together people from all over the world. The building is typically Byzantine with a high central dome, with the nave and aisles built in order to create the figure of the cross. The main entrance to the church is through a later narthex. There are at least 9 distinct levels of frescoes painted on the surface of the interior walls. The church, as seen today, is mainly 13th-century construction and the time of the Despotate of Epirus, although an initial foundation may go deep into the time of Emperor Justinian in the years 527-565 e.j. The church of "St. Mary", like many other cult objects in Albania, has been the victim of destruction and various robberies. In 1967, when the destruction of the cult objects began, the holy cross was hidden from the villagers. He reappeared for the last time in 1968, while he was robbed, and was never found again. According to legend, the holy cross of the church of "St. Mary" in Labova, is closely associated with the cross where Christ was crucified. Inside this cross was a thinly worked wooden box placed in its heart. And inside this small box, was preserved a piece of oak wood (from the sources it turns out it was about 152 grams) from the Cross, where Christ was crucified.