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Monastery of the Forty Saints

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Monastery of the Forty Saints (Albania)

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The Monastery of the Forty Saints is located on a prominent hill overlooking the city of Sarandë in southern Albania. Constructed in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was dedicated to the forty Christian martyrs of Sebaste. The original complex was architecturally significant, featuring a large basilica with forty separate rooms or chapels, symbolizing each of the martyrs. For centuries, it functioned as a major spiritual center and a pilgrimage destination in the Epirus region. During World War II, the monastery suffered heavy damage from aerial bombings, and its decline continued during the communist regime of Enver Hoxha when religion was officially banned. Today, the imposing ruins are protected as a national cultural monument and offer expansive views of the Bay of Sarandë and the island of Corfu. Archaeological excavations have revealed the intricate layout of the underground levels, showcasing the sophisticated Byzantine engineering and architectural styles of the Balkan Peninsula.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C771013182326262117128
Rain mm11910491585028162484110140150

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The ruins of the Monastery of the Forty Saints are freely accessible and sit on a hill above Saranda. The site can be visited at any time as it is not fenced off.
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Typical hours
As it is an open ruin site, there are no fixed visiting hours or entrance tickets. Visiting during daylight is safest and most rewarding.
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Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions across the entire site. The hilltop location features a fantastic panoramic view of Saranda and the bay, especially worthwhile at sunset.
⏱️
Time needed
Visiting the ruins and enjoying the view takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to explore the surroundings, you can easily spend an hour there.
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Combine with
The ruins can be perfectly combined with a visit to the ancient city of Butrint, just 20 kilometers away. The beaches of Saranda and Lëkurësi Castle are also nearby.
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Getting there
The ruins are accessible on foot from Saranda's center in about 20 minutes via a steep hill. Alternatively, you can take a taxi almost to the entrance.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the path to the ruins is rocky and uneven. Bring water with you, especially on hot days, as there are no supply points on site.

Geography

Coordinates
39.87300, 20.01700

Facts

  • The monastery was founded in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian I.
  • It originally featured 40 chapels dedicated to the 40 martyrs of Sebaste.
  • The site served as a major pilgrimage destination for over 1,000 years.
  • In 1944, the structure was heavily damaged by British aerial bombings.
  • The ruins are situated at an elevation of approximately 200 meters above sea level.
  • The monument consists of two levels, with the lower level being relatively well-preserved.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SarandaSaranda1 km · WExplore →
Lëkurësi CastleLëkurësi Castle1 km · SEExplore →
Vurgu PlainVurgu Plain5 km · EExplore →
Phoenice (Finiq)Phoenice (Finiq)6 km · NEExplore →
AlikoAliko6 km · SEExplore →
Mesopotam MonasteryMesopotam Monastery8 km · NEExplore →
ManastirManastir8 km · SExplore →
Nivicë-BubarNivicë-Bubar9 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Monastery of the Forty Saints (2)

Maestral🎡 recreation

Maestral beach, a wind-sheltered cove near Forty Saints Monastery.

Public beach🎡 recreation

A public beach in Saranda, located near the Monastery of the Forty Saints.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-22:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the ruins of the 40 Martyrs?
The remains of an important Christian monastery from the 6th century AD.
Where in Sarandë is the monastery located?
It is located on a hill above the city, not far from Lëkurësi Castle.
Why was it called '40 Martyrs'?
It was dedicated to the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste and originally had 40 small chapels or cells.
Can you go into the crypt?
The ruins are often open, but access to the underground parts can be restricted or dangerous.
Is the trip worth it for the view?
Yes, the view of Sarandë and the sea from up here is almost as good as from Lëkurësi Castle, but much quieter.
Monastery of the Forty Saints: where is it located?
Monastery of the Forty Saints is located in Albania.
Monastery of the Forty Saints: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maestral, Public beach.
Monastery of the Forty Saints: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Monastery of the Forty Saints: why is it worth visiting?
The Monastery of the Forty Saints is located on a prominent hill overlooking the city of Sarandë in southern Albania.
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