The area around the village of Labova, 10km north of Libohova, consists of a poshtme lower and sipërme upper part, and is home to no less than 32 churches and 4 monasteries. It offers wonderful hiking opportunities in the fragrant, herb-filled fields beneath the sun-bleached mountains. Most visitors however come to see one of the most impressive examples of Byzantine architecture in Albania, the beautiful Labova e Kryqit church. Devoted to Saint Mary, this is one of the oldest in the country, with a 13th-century church building with intricate brickwork resting on foundations dating back to the mid-6th century. The interior features a round dome, ancient frescoes and a large wooden iconostasis. The pride of the church and the community was a sacred relic believed to be a fragment of the true cross, but unfortunately this was stolen in 1990. If you find the church closed, ask caretaker Kristo Luzi across the road to open up.
