Sacred Sites of Albania

Albania Map

Albania: A Confluence of Faiths and Traditions

Albania, a country with a rich history and a diverse religious landscape, boasts a captivating array of sacred sites that reflect the confluence of Christianity, Islam, and Bektashi Sufism. From ancient monasteries nestled in mountains to vibrant tekkes (Bektashi lodges), these sites offer glimpses into the country's spiritual heritage and cultural diversity.

Mount Tomorr

Mount Tomorr, revered as a holy mountain, holds spiritual significance for various faiths and traditions. It's associated with the ancient Illyrian god of thunder and lightning, and later became a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Bektashi Muslims.

Shrine of Abaz Aliu, Mt. Tomorr

Located on Mount Tomorr, the Shrine of Abaz Aliu is a Bektashi tekke dedicated to the Sufi saint Abaz Aliu. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bektashi Muslims and is known for its annual festival held in August.

Tekke of Sari Salltiku, Mali i Krujes

The Tekke of Sari Salltiku is a Bektashi tekke located on Mount Kruja. It is dedicated to Sari Salltik, a revered Bektashi saint, and is a significant pilgrimage site for Bektashi Muslims.

Tekke of Melan Bektashi

This tekke is located in the village of Melan and is dedicated to the founder of the Bektashi order, Haji Bektash Veli. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bektashi Muslims from all over the world.

Tekke of Baba Aliut, Turan-Tepelene

The Tekke of Baba Ali is another important Bektashi tekke, located in the Turan-Tepelene region. It is dedicated to the Sufi saint Baba Ali and is a pilgrimage site for Bektashi Muslims.

Khanqah of Ali Postivani, Permet

The Khanqah of Ali Postivani is a Sufi lodge located in Permet, Albania. It is dedicated to the Sufi saint Ali Postivani and is a place of pilgrimage for Sufi Muslims.

Tekke of Melcanit, Korce

This tekke is located in the village of Melcanit and is dedicated to the Sufi saint who is said to have founded the village. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bektashi Muslims.

Tyrbe Bektashiane Turan, Korce

The Tyrbe Bektashiane Turan is a Bektashi tomb located in the city of Korce. It is the final resting place of several important Bektashi figures and is a place of pilgrimage for Bektashi Muslims.

Tempulli Bektashian, Vlore

The Tempulli Bektashian is a Bektashi temple located in the city of Vlore. It is one of the largest and most important Bektashi temples in Albania.

Temple of Kuz Baba, Vlore

The Temple of Kuz Baba is a Bektashi shrine located on a hill overlooking the city of Vlore. It is dedicated to the Sufi saint Kuz Baba and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Bektashi Muslims.

Tekke of Frashër

Located in the village of Frashër, this tekke is dedicated to the Sufi saint who is said to have founded the village. It is a place of pilgrimage for Bektashi Muslims.

St Nicholas Monastery, Mesopotam

The St Nicholas Monastery is an Orthodox Christian monastery located in the village of Mesopotam. It is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Albania.

Monastery of St. Mary, Apollonia, Pojan

The Monastery of St. Mary is an Orthodox Christian monastery located in the ancient city of Apollonia. It was built in the 13th century and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians.

Gjin Aleksi Mosque, Rusan

This is a historic mosque located in Rusan, Albania. The mosque is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and is a popular tourist destination.

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Martin Gray

Martin Gray is a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer specializing in the study of pilgrimage traditions and sacred sites around the world. During a 40 year period he has visited more than 2000 pilgrimage places in 165 countries. The World Pilgrimage Guide at sacredsites.com is the most comprehensive source of information on this subject.