The Church of the Monastery of “St. Mary” Spile, (Cultural Monument Category I), dates back to around 1630.

According to the villagers, the “Monastery of Spile” was built by the Archons (wealthy families) of Saraqinishta and is a complex of residences in the form of a mansion with about 40 rooms. The locals used to sing a song about it:

“Monastery, room by room, Slaughtered 22 birds, 20 outside and 20 inside, 40 silver lamps…”

Every year on September 8th, villagers from the entire region, including those from Senica, St. Vasil of Saranda, Malëshova, Zagoria, and others, would gather at this monastery. In a social media post, the Regional Directorate of National Culture (DRTK) Gjirokastër expressed that these religious and architectural values are cherished not only by the local residents but also highly appreciated by many others.

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