Apollonia and Ardenica Monastery Day Guided Tour
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Explore the ancient city of Apollonia and the serene Ardenica Monastery on a guided tour. Discover Albania’s rich cultural past through archaeology, architecture, and spirituality.
Highlights
- Discover the ancient city of Apollonia, founded in the 6th century BCE
- Explore the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former monastery
- Admire the grand Boulevard of Columns, the Odeon, and the Temple of Artemis
- Visit the serene Ardenica Monastery, a 13th-century Orthodox complex
- See the Church of St. Mary, where Albanian hero Skanderbeg was married
Description
Begin your tour at Apollonia, once a thriving Greek and later Roman city founded in the 6th century BCE. Walk among impressive archaeological remains, including the grand Boulevard of Columns, the Odeon, and the Temple of Artemis, set against rolling hills and olive groves. Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former monastery, and see exquisite artifacts, mosaics, and sculptures that illustrate Apollonia’s cultural and political importance in antiquity. After exploring Apollonia, continue to the Ardenica Monastery, a serene 13th-century Orthodox complex perched on a hill overlooking the Myzeqe plain. Still inhabited by monks, Ardenica is renowned for its stunning Byzantine frescoes, intricate wood-carved iconostasis, and the Church of St. Mary, where Albanian national hero Skanderbeg was married. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by cypress trees and panoramic landscapes, making it a perfect place for reflection. Together, Apollonia and Ardenica offer an unforgettable blend of archaeology, architecture, and spirituality—revealing the deep layers of Albania’s rich cultural past.Includes
Transportation throughout the whole tour Pick-up & Drop-off Walking tour of Ancient Apollonia Visit to the Archaeological Museum Visit to the Church of St. Mary Guided tour of Ardenica Monastery View of Byzantine frescoes Restaurants and bar suggestionsImportant Information
- The tour involves walking through archaeological sites and a monastery. The tour offers insights into Albania's ancient and spiritual heritage.