The church of Saint Mary, in the centre of the village of Labovë, in the province of Lunxhëria in Gjirokastra, as well as the road of Kthesa e Labovës – Labova e Kryqit are undergoing a restoration project. Works for the reconstruction and restoration of the church include the decoration of the dome, protective layers for painting, restoration of the floor, roof, windows, and the consolidation of the surrounding wall. Restoration interventions aim at preserving the original values and exposing them in a dignified manner to both domestic and foreign visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Culture Minister Mirela Kumbaro, visited the Church of Saint Mary and checked on the restoration works.

The representative of the Ministry of Culture explained that the external restoration of the church has already finished, and works are continuing with an advanced technology indoors. “It is one of the rarest churches we have. It dates back to the Byzantine period, because it hosts the portrait of Justinian. Only two such churches have been confirmed. There were very serious structural problems, the dome had shifted from the verticality since hundreds of years, and now we are consolidating it. We are also restoring the interiors.”

In parallel with the restoration of the Church of St Mary, the 7.9 km long Kthesa e Labovës – Labova e Kryqit road is being reconstructed. It begins at the intersection of the Libohovë-Poliçan highway, and terminates in the village Labove near the Church. The project aims at improving the existing route, paving it, putting street signage and lighting, as well as enhancing security.

The Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro said that the damaged infrastructure of this area has been a major obstacle to tourism. “230 thousand Euros have been invested for the church only. Together with the infrastructure and the road, the investment amounts to approximately 1 million Euros. It was necessary, because it was very difficult for visitors to reach the church.”

Citizens have welcomed both the Church restoration and the road construction, which were left in oblivion for decades. “No interventions was made here in 25 years”, one of the residents said.