History
How it came to be
Dhërmi and the Himarë coast have a long Orthodox Christian tradition and a historic Greek-speaking community, and the hillsides above the village hold several old churches and monastery chapels. St. Mary's is one of them, standing among the stone houses of the upper village with sweeping views over the Ionian.
What You’ll See
On a visit
The stone church and bell tower, the faded wall paintings and icons inside, and — perhaps best of all — the view from the terrace over the old village rooftops, the beaches below and the Ceraunian Mountains behind.
How to Visit
On the slopes above Dhërmi, a short but steep walk or drive up from the beach through the old upper village. It's a working place of worship, so dress modestly and keep quiet during any service.
Best Time
Daytime for the light and the views; early or late in summer to avoid the midday heat on the climb.
Gallery
Good to Know
The interior, with its old frescoes, is sometimes open in the daytime but can be locked outside services. Even when it's closed, the terrace and the views over the village and coast are worth the climb.
It's a Byzantine-era church generally dated to around the 13th–14th century — a small single-nave stone building with a little dome and bell tower. Frescoes inside were added over time, some of the painting dating to 1781, the work of Ioannis, Orthodox Archbishop of Himara and Delvina.
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