Apollonia e Ardenica from Tirane Small Group
Duration
8 hour(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Guided tour of Apollonia, founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists
Apollonia's strategic location near the Vjosa River contributed to its prosperity
Site of the wedding of national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg and Donika Arianiti in 1451
The monastery features the Church of Saint Mary, Chapel of the Holy Trinity, and ancient murals
€ 250
€ 230.00
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Adult (13 - 99)
Child (3 - 12)
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Departing from Tirana, the full-day tour takes you on a captivating journey through Albania's ancient past, with your first destination being the archaeological site of Apollonia. After arriving, a guided tour reveals the city's fascinating history and enduring legacy. Founded in 588 BC by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corfu, Apollonia quickly grew into one of the most influential and prosperous cities of the ancient world. Situated near the Vjosa River, it thrived as a major trading hub, with a port capable of hosting up to 100 ships. Apollonia’s wealth and prominence earned it a distinguished place among the many cities named in honor of Apollo, the Greek god of the Sun, poetry, and music. However, the city's grandeur was brought to a sudden halt when a powerful earthquake struck, destroying much of its infrastructure, including the port. Over time, the once-vibrant metropolis was abandoned, leaving behind evocative ruins that echo its former glory and continue to draw visitors from around the globe.
After exploring the remnants of Apollonia’s ancient splendor, the tour proceeds to the Monastery of Ardenica, perched on a hill not far from the ruins. This sacred site was constructed following the decline of Apollonia, and it has since become an important spiritual and historical landmark. Built in the 13th century, the monastery gained particular fame as the location where Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, married Donika Arianiti on April 21, 1451. Encircled by tranquil gardens and olive groves, the monastery complex features the Church of Saint Mary, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, old mills, and monastic quarters. The inner walls are adorned with magnificent frescoes and murals that reflect the artistic and religious heritage of Byzantine and post-Byzantine traditions. The peaceful atmosphere and rich historical context make Ardenica a meaningful complement to the ancient world of Apollonia, blending Albania’s classical legacy with its medieval spiritual identity.
Hotel Pick Up
Tour Guide
Welcoming Drink (Coffee or Tea)
Entry Tickets to Apollonia Archeological Park
Entry Ticket at Ardenica Monastery
Anything not mentioned above
Wear comfortable light clothes and footwear
Carry water and a light snack to keep refreshed and energized
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Activity Provider: My Tour in Italy
Customer Reviews
Jillxpics
Beautiful Monastery with so much history...the inside of this church is just spectacular sadly but understandable you can't take photos but it's so worth a visit
M
A beautiful church with some old frescoes. You have to knock at the gate when you want to visit. For the 100lek entrance fee, I was kind of expecting to be allowed a tour of the entire area, at least the outside, but we were only allowed to see the church. The children bought candles and lit them in the adjoining room, only to watch the gard remove them after a minute and throw the candles into a large bag with thousands (not exaggerating!) of other candles. The half hour we were there, several tourist groups (busloads) came and went, with a lot of noise, everyone taking photos. We wanted to wait for the masses to leave so we could take in this sacred place in a peaceful way, but after we had spent 10 minutes in the church, the gard told us to please hurry up, take our photos and leave. For Albania, it is a nice church, but it is not really worth the visit if you come from far away. It is however close to the highway, so if you pass by anyway it is worth a stop. If you are interested in iconography, the small museum in Berat is much better, and it also includes a similar church.
Jana
Quick visit to the monastery, really beautiful interior of the church (not possible to take photos).
Jérôme
A hidden gem of Albania, this Orthodox church was saved from destruction and is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen. Peaceful, well-preserved, and full of history. Visit it now before it becomes a mainstream tourist spot. A must-see for culture and architecture lovers.
Ciprian
It was closing time (at 16:00) but we were let to enjoy the monastery. Being kind of famous, I expected to be more taken care of. The frescoes are nice, but the vibe isn't the one expected on an orthodox monastery. Perhaps nowadays, it doesn't serve its purpose, and it's just a museum (it's just a supposition)