Monastery of the Archangels

Project Name

Location


Gjirokaster


Type

Monastery


Year

2025


Monastery of the Archangels is located in Derviçan, Gjirokaster.

Designed around a carefully restored church, this monastery balances traditional Byzantine and post-Byzantine styles with modern functionality. The complex centers on a courtyard with the church as its spiritual heart, surrounded by monks’ cells, prayer spaces, and functional annexes.

Architectural features include fortified stone walls, steep tiled roofs, and wooden roof beams that extend outward, adding depth and rhythm. Handcrafted stone arches, wooden galleries, and local decorative details emphasize authenticity and create a meditative atmosphere.

Materials were chosen to honor historic context and local climate, using traditional stone, dark treated wood, and handmade clay tiles. The design respects the natural terrain, preserving the site’s rural and spiritual character.