Himara Castle & Old Town
In town — 15–20 min walk uphill from the promenade
Monastère
Saint Theodore Monastery
Hilltop between Dhermi and Gjipe Beach
- Période
- 14th century (built on ancient Temple of Zeus ruins)
- Depuis Himara
- ~15 km north on SH8 (20 min drive)
- Entrée
- Free; parking 200–300 ALL (~€2–3)
- Horaires
- Daylight hours; no fixed gate hours
- Temps nécessaire
- 1.5–2 hours including the walk up from the parking
À propos de Saint Theodore Monastery
Le monastère de Saint-Théodore (albanais : Manastiri i Shën Theodhorit, grec : Μονή Αγίου Θεοδώρου) se dresse sur une colline entre Dhermi et la plage de Gjipe — l'un des sites les plus chargés d'histoire de la Riviera albanaise. Construit sur les ruines d'un ancien temple de Zeus, converti en monastère orthodoxe au XIVe siècle, réaffecté en centre de vacances de la marine soviétique dans les années 1950, puis poste militaire albanais jusqu'à la fin des années 1980, et aujourd'hui en restauration. Cette seule colline raconte toute l'histoire de l'Albanie sous forme condensée.
Histoire
The earliest layer is an ancient temple of Zeus — pre-Christian, classical period. The Byzantines built the Orthodox monastery on top in the 14th century. The complex operated continuously until WWII, when the Italians occupied it. After the Soviet split in 1961, the new Albanian regime used the site as a military observation post overlooking the bay, fortifying it with bunkers that are still visible. Earlier, between 1948 and 1961, parts of the complex had served as a Soviet navy holiday resort — visiting officers from the Pasha Liman submarine base stayed here. Restoration began after 1991.
Ce que vous verrez
14th-century Byzantine church foundations and partial walls; visible ancient temple stones reused in the monastery construction; Hoxha-era bunkers and military outbuildings around the perimeter; panoramic coastal views — south toward Himara and north toward Llogara Pass, with Gjipe Beach far below; on exceptionally clear days, Corfu on the western horizon.
Photos
Comment visiter
Drive north from Himara on SH8 (~15 km, 20 min). The turnoff is signed 'Manastiri i Shën Theodhorit' before you reach Dhermi village, on the left. A narrow single-lane road winds 2.5 km through olive groves to a small parking area — the same lot used for Gjipe Beach access. From the parking, a paved stone footpath climbs 10–15 minutes to the monastery.
Meilleur moment pour visiter
Morning for clearest views and coolest temperatures. The walk up from the parking is partly exposed. Combine with Gjipe Beach in the afternoon — the same parking lot serves both, and the beach is a longer downhill walk from there.
Pour aller plus loin : guide de visite complet
Histoire, conseils pratiques et notes d'itinéraire en version longue — l'article qui va plus loin que cette page.
Voir Saint Theodore Monastery depuis la mer
Comment les opérateurs rejoignent ce site en bateau, quelles excursions s'y arrêtent et à quoi ressemble l'arrivée vue du large.
À combiner avec : Gjipe Beach
L'autre moitié naturelle de la journée. Sable et mer après pierre et histoire.
À proximité
- Gjipe BeachPlage
- DhermiPlage
- Panagia Drymadon MonasteryMonastère
Questions
Can you drive all the way to Saint Theodore Monastery?
No. You can drive 2.5 km from SH8 to a parking area through olive groves, but the final 10–15 minute stretch is a paved stone footpath. Parking costs 200–300 ALL (~€2–3). The same lot serves Gjipe Beach, so it fills up in peak summer — arrive before 10 AM in July and August.
Is Saint Theodore Monastery free?
Entry to the monastery itself is free. You only pay for parking at the lot near the trailhead — 200–300 ALL (~€2–3). There are no fixed visiting hours, no gate, and no ticket booth. The site is partly under restoration; access to specific buildings may be limited.
What is the history of Saint Theodore Monastery?
Built in the 14th century on the foundations of an ancient temple to Zeus. Operated continuously as an Orthodox monastery until WWII. After 1948 it served as a Soviet navy holiday resort, then as an Albanian military post from 1961 until the late 1980s. Restoration began after 1991. Few sites compress this much Albanian history into one hilltop.
Can you combine the monastery with Gjipe Beach?
Yes — this is the standard half-day plan. The same parking area serves both. Visit the monastery first (1.5–2 hours), then walk the downhill path to Gjipe Beach for the afternoon. The beach is one of the Riviera's prettiest — pebbly, partly clothing-optional, and accessible only by foot or boat.
Autres sites remarquables près de Himara
Continuer l'exploration
Une information manquante ou incorrecte ? Écrivez-nous à info@himara.net