Church of St. Paul and Astia (Kisha e Shen Astit) description and photos - Albania: Durres (Topic)

St. Paul and Astia (Kisha e Shen Astit) description and photos - Albania: Durres. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Kisha e Shen Astit.

Photo and description

St. Paul and Astia was built on the initiative and with funds provided by the Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania, Anastasius. The cornerstone was laid in November 1994, and construction work was completed in early 2002. In November 1999, Orthodox Christians welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to this church on his first visit to Albania. On May 3, 2009, the temple was opened and consecrated; today it is one of the most impressive and beautiful religious buildings in the country.

Apostle Paul and Saint Astius have always been popular Orthodox saints in the community of Durres, several churches have been consecrated in their honor. This temple was erected opposite the place where the church of St. Spyridon was located (demolished in 1967) and the house of the metropolitan stood (now in ruins).

The architectural design of the temple was made by the Archdiocese's technical service department, and the practical work was carried out by a local construction company. The church is designed as a domed basilica, two-story, with a gallery surrounding the perimeter. The area of the concrete foundation is 606 square meters, its volume is 6800 cubic meters. The highest of the domes is 17.75 meters, the height of the bell tower with an electronic control system is 19 meters.

Outside, the church is lined with white stone, arches made of decorative bricks emphasize vaults and window openings. The roof is made of Byzantine tiles. From the inside, the church is adorned with artistic decorative bowls, pedestals, marble floors, columns and balconies. Part of the interior and furniture, the iconostasis, the episcopal throne - handmade by several craftsmen from Pogradec. Some icons and frescoes were made in the iconographic studio of the Archdiocese, an analogue of the Psalter is in the Nazareth paper workshop.

On the ground floor there is a spiritual center for various events. It is equipped with a modern ventilation system, it includes a library, a hall, stages, a kitchen bar, an office, a waiting room, Sunday school rooms, games rooms, etc.

We also recommend reading Museum of Silk Weaving (Musee La Maison Du Pecheur) description and photos - Tunisia: Mahdia

Topic: Church of St. Paul and Astia (Kisha e Shen Astit) description and photos - Albania: Durres.