Saint Mary Church ( year 554) Labove - Hadrianopolis - Labove e Kryqit

In the village of Labove, located near the small town of Libohova, is one of the oldest and the most beautiful Byzantine churches in Albania, dedicated to St. Mary. The Church was built in 554 in the time of Emperor Justinian. According to legend, a man from Labova, named Konstandin Laboviti, was a high commander in Justinian’s army. He was so brave and courageous, that one day Justinian offered to reward him with whatever he wanted. He replied: I want you to build a church in my birthplace, Labova village. Justinian agreed and sent the best craftsmen to build the church. Four years later Justinian directed that a Golden Cross, made of pieces of wood from the Jesus Cross, be enshrined in the church. The Cross was covered with 600 gr of gold. It remained part of the church for centuries, but was stolen in 1989 during the civil unrest in Albania. Because the importance of the Cross, the village took the name “Labova of the Cross”.

In our way, we'll visit the ruins of Hadrianopoli only 15 km away from Gjirokastra. Hadrianopolis was constructed during the 2nd century AD by Roman emperor Hadrian, after the burning and destruction of Antigonea. In the 6th century AD, Byzantine emperor Justinian I re-founded Hadrianopolis as Justinianopolis. Now, Hadrianopolis, which is surrounded by spectacular valleys and a serene landscape, it holds extraordinary, historic and culture values.

Detail 

• Ages 10 - 65
• Min 2 persons,  max of 15 persons per group
• Duration: 5h
• Start time: Check availability
• Mobile ticket

Itinerary

•  Departure from Blue Line Travel office
•  Arrival to Labove 
•  Start visit of Church 
•  Free time for a drink in village
•  15 km before arrival in Gjirokaster, we'll stop to visit the ruins of Hadrianopoli 

Accessibility

• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation

If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code:

+355 697 997 299

Additional information

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Cancellation policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Cancellation by the traveler the same day date of the experience, there's no refund.