Monastery of Forty Saints | Sarande

The Monastery of the Forty Saints (Kisha e 40 Shenjtorëve) is a ruined 6th-century Christian complex located on a hill overlooking the bay of Sarandë. It is situated on the eastern ridge of the city, approximately 4 km from the center.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of the skeletal stone remains of a massive basilica featuring gray limestone masonry. It is characterized by its unique "forty-room" crypt system, which corresponds to the number of martyrs it commemorates. The ruins include tiered stone arches, foundational walls of the nave, and window openings that overlook the Ionian Sea. The surrounding terrain is dry and rocky with sparse Mediterranean shrubs.

Location & Access Logistics

The monastery is reached via a steep, unpaved road that branches off the main route to Lëkurësi Castle. While the road is navigable by car, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rough terrain. There is no public transportation to the site; visitors typically arrive by taxi or on foot via a 45-minute uphill trek. Parking is informal and located on the dirt plateau at the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the monastery was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. It was dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. The structure remained largely intact until World War II, when it was severely damaged by Allied bombing in 1944 because German forces were using it as a strategic lookout and artillery position.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exploration is focused on the subterranean crypts and the massive stone arches of the main basilica. The site offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Sarandë, the Butrint lagoon, and the Greek island of Corfu. It is a frequent destination for photography and historical study of late antique ecclesiastical architecture.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is an undeveloped archaeological ruin. There are no restrooms, shade structures, or food vendors on the hill. Visitors must bring their own water. 4G and 5G cellular signals are reliable due to the site's elevation and line-of-sight to the city.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the stone arches against the sea. The site is open 24 hours and does not have an entrance fee. High summer temperatures make mid-day visits difficult due to the lack of cover; early morning or late evening are optimal for comfort.

Facts & Legends

The name of the city "Sarandë" is derived from the Greek "Agioi Saranda," meaning "Forty Saints," specifically referencing this monastery. Local tradition holds that the forty individual rooms in the crypt once housed the relics of the martyrs, and some believe secret passages connect the hilltop to the coast.

Nearby Landmarks

Lëkurësi Castle (1.2km South)

Sarandë Embankment (2.0km Northwest)

Synagogue Complex (1.8km Northwest)

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral (1.7km Northwest)

Port of Sarandë (2.5km Northwest)