Monastery of 40 Saints

Monastery of 40 Saints tickets: which one to buy

The ruins of the Monastery of the Forty Saints stand on a hill above the town of Saranda, on Albania's southern coast, facing the Greek island of Corfu across the strait, and the site is open, with a small admission charge when the gate is staffed. The town takes its name from the monastery: Saranda comes from Agioi Saranta, Forty Saints in Greek. Visitors reach the hill by car or taxi from the town centre, followed by a short walk.

Saranda is a popular resort, reached by ferry from Corfu in about half an hour, and visitors often combine the monastery with the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about twenty kilometres south, the Blue Eye spring, the Lëkurësi castle above the town, and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The site has few facilities, so bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Taxis from Saranda's seafront to the hill are inexpensive, and drivers can wait while you visit.

Visiting Monastery of 40 Saints: what to see

The monastery was built in the sixth century, in the early Byzantine period, and dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, Roman soldiers who, according to tradition, were martyred for their Christian faith by being left to freeze on a frozen lake in the fourth century. The church was one of the largest in the region, with a crypt beneath it, and it was an important pilgrimage site during the Byzantine period. The monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and it was badly damaged during the Second World War, when the hill was used for military positions. Excavations have uncovered the foundations of the church, the crypt with its chambers, and fragments of frescoes and mosaics.

The ruins are modest, but the site is significant for the history of Christianity in Albania. The hilltop offers wide views over Saranda, the bay and Corfu. The crypt beneath the church had several chambers used for burials. The church's layout included a nave, aisles and an apse. Fragments of mosaic floors have been found in the excavations. The site's walls are made of stone and brick, typical of Byzantine construction. Information boards explain the history of the monastery and the excavations. The hill also holds remains of military bunkers from the communist period. The views of Corfu's mountains across the strait are best on clear days. The olive trees on the slopes add to the Mediterranean landscape. The site is still being studied by archaeologists.

Monastery of 40 Saints opening hours and the best time to go

The site can be visited during daylight hours, and sunset over Corfu from the hill is beautiful. Summer is hot and busy in Saranda, with many visitors from Corfu, and the walk up the hill is best in the early morning or late afternoon. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with fewer crowds. Winter is mild but quiet. Allow about half an hour for the ruins, and combine the visit with Butrint and the Lëkurësi castle, where a restaurant offers views over the bay. The Blue Eye spring, a deep pool of clear blue water, is about half an hour's drive inland from Saranda.