Become part of the Albanian’s hidden treasures; Escape the ordinary and visit this beautiful passage.
As you drive down Mount Llogara, enjoying the beauty of nature that accompanies your journey, looking down a little from your car window, you notice a small village between hills and ridges, which also has a wide exit. to sea. With white-painted houses stacked gracefully on top of each other on a mountainside where tall church bell towers stand out, the village of Dhermi is known for its climate and magical coastline, as well as for its large number of small churches and their monumental, ethnographic, aesthetic and historical quality. Historical evidence shows that this beautiful coastal Albanian village has been inhabited since the early centuries of antiquity, from the Middle Ages to the present. Divided into three quarters (Gondraki, Gilek and Dhermi, which together make up the village), Dermis has inspired artists and writers with its captivating panoramas, who have given life to their creations while enjoying the views and the little paths that the village has to offer. If you’re a bit like them, or if you’re just looking for a motivating walk, the Old Mill Trail hike is a must. The name comes from the 7 windmills found during the construction of the path, so listen carefully and let the windmills tell you the story: this is the same path that the locals have walked for centuries. Visitors can follow the route along the stream, relax in the shade of tall trees, enjoy the chirping of birds and contemplate the path that connects the village houses with the azure sea. Walking along the trail, history accompanies you at every step, you can visit two ancient churches, a picturesque waterfall, the path of the first hydroelectric power station ever built in the villages of Albania, old mills and other attractive places. Walking along the trail, you will see an old chapel known as St. Stephen’s Church. Built in the 12th century, it still remains on its territory, surprising visitors. The Church of Ypapandia itself is a gem of history. Built in the 15th century, its walls are still proud and strong, welcoming every tourist. The well-preserved interior frescoes are believed to have been painted by Nicola Joani, a prominent medieval Albanian artist. This church stands out for its carved and engraved ceiling, decorated with floral designs and portraits of saints. This church also features a portrait of Alexander the Great. Keeping walking, enjoying the breeze and fresh air hidden in the treasures of nature, you will find the first hydroelectric power station built in an Albanian village. Staff, who built this hydroelectric plant in 1952, was paid a salary from the income received from the sale of electricity to rural households. The hydroelectric power plant was built with financial and material contributions from the Dhermi people who immigrated to the United States. Walking the trail is not only inspiring but also cultural. It’s time to escape from the ordinary and visit this beautiful passage.
