17th of July in the calendar of the Orthodox faith is the feast of Saint Marena an important holiday especially for the Christians of the areas of Pogradec, Korca, Librazhd and Elbasan.

The church and monastery of Saint Marena are located in the north of the village of Llenga, Pogradec. They are considered among the main religious, cultural and tourist destinations of Pogradec.

The church is a small building approximately 8-12 meters tall. The altar is separated from the central part of the church by a wooden iconostasis 6 meters wide and 4 meters high. The entire interior of the church is covered with frescoes belonging to the master of these areas, Kostandin Shpataraku.

Located among the greenery of the forests, the Church and the monastery of Saint Marena are naturally protected by the mountains and deep gorges, through which the streams of Shkumbin flow.

Saint Marena’s Church is not only visited on July 17. The pilgrimage is also performed on July 30, according to the old calendar and according to a long-standing tradition. Orthodox believers attribute miracles to this church. According to legend, the stones of the cave near the church cloister bring good luck if kept in the house. Therefore, historically, the inhabitants of this area have kept stones taken in this place in their family premises.

The church, rebuilt in the mid-1700s, is located 35 kilometers from the town of Pogradec.

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