The Church of St. Mary, located within Elbasan Castle, has been recognized as a First-Category Cultural Monument since 1963. Built around 1830 by the local Christian community on the foundations of a 17th-century church, it replaced an earlier Romanesque-style cathedral. The church features a central hall plan and a dome resting on a drum, distinguished by its rare ethnocultural and architectural values in the region.  

Historical records show that between 1656 and 1661, the church operated regularly, supported by endowments and income. The church’s codex documents donations, financial records, and property inventories.  

A key feature is the wooden iconostasis, crafted from boxwood by 40 Dibra artisans over a decade. It displays Christian symbols such as vine motifs, animals, birds, and flowers. Although only two original icons remain, the iconostasis is a rare example of traditional woodcarving art.  

The Church of St. Mary ranks among other notable Orthodox churches in the Elbasan region and also served as an educational center, contributing to the development of the Albanian language and culture.