Albanian Cultural Heritage

DURRËSI COUNTY
Early Christian Basilica of Shën Mëhill
(Saint Michael) in Arapaj. The ruins of the
St. Michael Basilica (Bazilika e Shën Mëhillit)
were discovered during an archaeological
expedition in 1974, which took place 6 km
away from the modern city of Durrës. The
church is notable for its architectural style,
which features three naves, an atrium on
the west side, and an impressive mosaic,
covering a 54 m² surface. The mosaic is
almost intact and survives in a surprisingly
good condition. Not far from the area
some sculptural objects dating back to
the 5th - 6th century C.E. were discovered.
Many unearthed coins found around the
area, indicate that the settlement was in
use from 5th - 14th century C.E. In 1081,
the Byzantine soldiers fleeing from the
Norman invasion sought refuge in this
church, which later was burnt to the
ground by the invaders.
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The Bazaar of Kruja is under protection
since 1961, preserving the rich
characteristics of traditional Albanian
markets of the 18th - 19th centuries.
The Market of Kruja covers a wide area,
from the center of the city to western
gate of the Castle. Along the road shops
in ranges, subjoin the land developing with
voluminous stone blocks, being underfoot
and rarely with cellar or with pairs of stairs.
The roofs are made of wood, covered with
tiling to protect the exposed products and
the shoppers. The shops have a little space
by the road, used by the craftsmen for
working and exhibiting their products in
front of the costumers. Nowdays the
original wooden facade of The Market of
Kruja are very well preserved. This market
is famous abroad for its diversity and for
the eldest forms of merchandising, playing
a special role in Albanian culture and
tradition.