The monastery of Mesopotam

 It is one of the most visited historic and natural monuments in the region outside the walls of Butrinti. It lies near the village of Mesopotam on the far side of Bistrica River on a picturesque hilltop, which rises between the two riverbeds. Situated close to Phoinike, it is believed that in antiquity there used to be a pagan temple and later on a basilica was built on its foundations. It is believed that the monastery was built during the rule of the Byzantine emperor Costandinus IX Monomarcus <1041-1052). The church of Saint Nicholas was build in the last quarter of the 12th century and it is very interesting for the Byzantine architecture with two apses covered by four domes in the hall and 2 spherical caps in the altar. In the southern, western and northern parts there used to be arcades (galilees). It is distinguished for the dimensions, for the decorations with sculptural reliefs, for the mosaics with animal patterns and the beautiful brick decoration of the exterior walls.

Two other reconstructions in 1793 and 1845 have brought about deterioration in the exterior appearance and other values. During the centuries that followed it was looted and badly ruined and the surroundings were seriously damaged as well. In addition to the monuments and tourist attractions described briefly above" there are also a lot of archaeological sites, historic monuments, cult buildings, and natural resources in the area of Saranda such as Cuka of Aitoi (Eagle's SummiO, Kalivo, Mallathre, the Cave of St. Mary at Bogaz, Xara, Delvina Castle, the Mosque of Gjinaleksi at Rusan, the Monastery of St. George near Ksamili, the springs in Kalasa, Leshnica and Zminec, the monastery at Kakodhiq near Delvina and 50 on. They are worth writing about and being paid more attention by the government and the private investors 50 that they can be in favour of tourism development, the entertainment and education of the people. Special attention should be paid to the ancient city of Phoinike (Finiq), which is of great significance in the history of our people, but little excavation and research work has been carried out so far. These will all be object of future studies and publications, because they are all closely related to Saranda town.