Half day tour to Gjin Aleksi Mosque and the abandoned village of Kamenica

You will depart from Saranda at 9 am and reach the Delvina area in less than 30 minutes. This region bears deep traces of the Ottoman influence, especially from the 1500s onward, when many Christian churches were either destroyed or repurposed into mosques. One such example is the Gjin Aleksi Mosque, which sits peacefully atop a hill surrounded by centuries-old trees. From the outside, its architecture is marked by simplicity and elegance—constructed from natural stone bricks in a style reminiscent of a Romanesque basilica, unpainted and modest. Even the minaret is made of the same stone, creating a harmonious and grounded appearance. The mosque's surrounding complex includes a traditional fountain used for ritual cleansing and four hexagonal tombs crowned with domes, completing the serene and historical setting.

Stepping inside the mosque reveals an entirely different dimension—one deeply spiritual and acoustically unique. The interior is designed with strategically placed natural sound boxes within the walls, enhancing and amplifying sound in a way that elevates the experience of prayer. This feature transforms the mosque into a sacred chamber where spirituality is heightened by its architectural ingenuity. The sound carries evenly throughout the space, allowing for a powerful connection between worshippers and the divine. Visiting Gjin Aleksi Mosque offers not only a glimpse into Ottoman religious architecture but also a moment to reflect in one of Albania’s most peaceful and acoustically fascinating spiritual sites.