THE CHURCH-MOSQUE OF ST STEFAN Shkodra Albania INTEGRATED REHABILITATION PROJECT PLAN / SURVEY OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE (IRPP/SAAH) Regional Programme for Cultural and Natural Heritage in South East Europe 2003 - 2006 PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE Document adopted by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Albania, on 12 December 2006 THE CHURCH-MOSQUE OF ST STEFAN Shkodra Albania FOREWORD In the framework of the European Commission/Council of Europe Joint Programme on the Integrated Rehabilitation Project Plan /Survey of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (IRPP/SAAH), the present Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) was prepared by the following local expert: Mr. Sulejman Dashi, architect/restorer headed by Mr. Apollon Baçe, IRPP/SAAH Project Coordinator, in cooperation with the PTA expert group: Leader Dr. John Bold (United Kingdom); Experts: Ms. Emma Carmichael (United Kingdom), Mr. Giorgio Gianighian (Italy), Mr. Andreas Heymowski (Sweden), Mr. David Johnson (United Kingdom), Mr. Pedro Ponce de Leon (Spain), Mr. Alkis Prepis (Greece). The Preliminary Technical Assessment (PTA) was adopted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Albania, on 12 December 2006. Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 1. Introductory page Site Map 1.1 Country or Territory: 1.2 Name of organisation compiling the information: 1.3 Contact name: 1.4 Email address: 1.5 Name and address of building or site: 1.6 Inventory reference number(s): 1.7 Building/Monument/Site type: 1.8 Main dates: 1.9 Current use(s): 2. 1 S-E view of the church Albania Institute of Cultural Monuments Sulejman Dashi imkult@abcom-al.com The church-mosque of St. Stefan, Shkodra Castle. 3598 Catholic Church and Mosque. 13th, 15th & 18th centuries. None. Executive Summary: the site and its management The church of Saint Stefan is located in the castle of Shkodra. The castle is the historical point of the Illyrian town that has inherited the old name of Shkodra. The lake near the town also has the same name. Shkodra was the centre of the Illyrian tribe of Adrians. During the 10th century, Shkodra was mentioned as an archbishopric centre and Saint Stefan was considered as the protector of the town. This was the main reason why the church was built in the middle of the castle. In the documentary resources, the church is mentioned for the first time in 1319, when three carpenters were sent to restore the roof of the church chorus. At the end of the 15th century, the building of the Cathedral Church was modified into a mosque, for religious use by the Ottoman garrison which settled in the castle after the Ottoman conquest. On the left side of the apse, a minaret was built, while at the end of the 18th century the Vizier of the Sanjak of Shkodra, Mehmet Pasha Bushatlliu added to the western part a portico with arcades. At the end of the 19th century, the temple was destroyed and after some interventions, it was used as a gunpowder store. Nowadays the church still keeps elements of a Roman-Gothic church, while the minaret belongs to the old mosque type of Anatolia and not to the classic Ottoman style. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 3. 2 Administrative information 3.1 Responsible Authorities - Ministry of Tourism, Culture Youth and Sports Institute of Cultural Monuments Regional Directory of Cultural Monuments-Shkodra Municipality of Shkodra 3.2 Building/Site, Name and Address The church-mosque of Saint Stefan in the castle of Shkodra. 3.3 Map reference Ud 96 3.4 Type of monument Monument of religious and middle-age architecture. 3.5 Ownership State property. 3.6 Statutory Protection/Constraints The monument is under state protection, along with Shkodra Castle. Each potential intervention must be examined and approved by the National Council of Restoration, a decision-making body within the Institute of Monuments and chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Youth and Culture. 4. Summary of condition 4.1 Summary of Physical Condition Very poor 4.2 Condition Risk Assessment High – Serious risk of further partial deterioration, mainly to the western wall which is detached from the main structure. It is leaning and risks falling down, with the loss of the remaining Roman-Gothic style windows. 4.3 Priority for intervention High 5. Existing information 5.1 Documentary sources There is a full documentation in the Institute of Cultural Monuments’ archive in Tirana. Including plans, drawings, terrestrial black and white photographs of previous restoration works, descriptions of the style, typology and different phases of traditional or scientific restoration. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 3 The condition of the documentation is very good and it has an archive number and index. 5.2 Bibliography 1. Meksi, A., Les églises moyenâgeuses de l’Albanie centrale et de l’Albanie du nord (in Albanian with French summary), Monumentet 2, 1983, p.80-82, Tabl.I-V. 2. Meksi, A., Church architecture in Albania in the 7th – 15th centuries, Tirana 2004 (in Albanian), p. 182-184. 5.3 Fieldwork already conducted Archaeological soundings were undertaken to discover the construction phases of the floor levels. Restoration interventions are being carried out to the portico with the arcade. 5.4 Projects in progress None 5.5 Projects already planned Conservation interventions were projected and implemented from 1980-1985. 5.6 Responsible authorities Those responsible for the restoration of the building, according to Law No. 9048 on Cultural Heritage in Albania, are: - the authors of the project: Prof. Dr. Sulejman Dashi, Architect-restorer; - the Regional Directory of Monuments in Shkodra; - a construction company licensed for restoration works. 5.7 Financial estimates already made The financial estimate is about 66 000 Euros 6. Scope of the PTA 6.1 Extent/Nature of the assessment National and international specialists and experts from specific fields have taken part in this activity: - Prof. Dr. Sulejman Dashi, Architect-restorer, Albania; - engineers and restorers of IMK, archaeologists, draftsmen, photographers etc.; - Draft man: Bashkim Penxha. Time spent: 1 day on site and 3 days in the office. 6.2 Limitations of the study Lack of funds and other difficulties, such as access to the upper sections of the inside walls (2m above ground level). __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 7. 4 The PTA 7.1 Background: Form, Function and Evolution 7.1.1 Summary description of the building/site, with comments on its urban or rural context if appropriate. What remains of the Cathedral of Saint Stefan is the vestibule and part of the apse to the east elevation that shows its covering – with a crossed-vault cupola and a window. The mosque still preserves its minaret built with the cloisonné technique with a cubic basement that supports the base section of the minaret, which at first is polygonal and then becomes cylindrical. The technique used on and shape of the minaret is reminiscent of the Anatolia minarets built in the Seljuk period, when the Islamic Ottoman style had not been introduced yet. The vestibule and portico, with quadric pillars connected by semi-circular arches, are evidence that the pointed arches and the Gothic or Islamic ones were not always used during the Ottoman period in Albania. 7.1.2 Summary historic development and evolution of the building or site, from the earliest times until the present day. In its use as a prayer chapel for both religions, mainly during the 18th century, this monument is a unique example of the religious harmony and tolerance that existed in Albania during the period of the Ottoman Empire, when different religious beliefs separated people, but their mother tongue and common customs unified them in the fight for the independence of their home country. 7.2 Significance 7.2.1 Summary statement of significance/historical and heritage importance. The church is an example of the roman churches of north Albania. At the same time, it is a mosque and one of the oldest Islamic monuments in the country. 7.2.2 Checklist of categories which may be considered in the evaluation: 7.2.2 Historical: 7.2.3 Artistic/Aesthetic: 7.2.4 Technological: 7.2.5 Religious/Spiritual: 7.2.6 Symbolic: 7.2.7 Scientific/Research: 7.2.8 Social/Civic: 7.2.9 Natural: 7.2.10 Economic: 7.2.11 Character of significance: National National National National National National Regional Regional Regional National 7.3 Vulnerability/Risk assessment For almost a century the monument had no religious function. The castle is constantly exposed to hard climatic conditions: humidity, freezing temperatures, heat and vegetation, which systematically destroy the castle. The castle suffered severe damage during the 1981 earthquake. It is at present largely ruined, but it still preserves stylistic elements of its architecture. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 5 7.4 Technical condition The technical condition of the wall structure is bad. The apse of the church is almost completely destroyed and only a part of it is preserved; near the window characteristic of roman-gothic churches. Traces of the inscription on the cross-vaulted apse and part of the Presbyterian arch are well preserved. The original entrance door on the façade has been walled up. Some preliminary investigations have shown that there have been three stories, all built in different periods. 7.5 Outline summary of required repairs: Foundations: The foundations need consolidation. Drainage required to avoid ground water penetration. Walls: The walls should be cleaned of vegetation. The missing upper parts of the walls should be restored according to the existing original remains. The original fabric, which is generally in good condition, should be pointed. The remains of the original apse should be consolidated and the missing part restored. Restoration of the cupola is also necessary Roof: The roof has completely collapsed. Restoration of the roof construction, respecting the original shape and techniques, and filling with hydro-isolation and tile covering required. Ceilings and floors: Floor stone tiles should be replaced at the original floor level, which belongs to the first phase of construction of the church. Damaged stone floor slabs should be replaced. The doorstep of the original door will be clearly distinguished. Doors and windows: The original doors and windows do not exist. New, wooden ones should be designed at a later stage. Wall plaster: The plaster on the façade and walls is damaged and restoration using traditional techniques is required. Decorative elements: There are no wall paintings, but there are some carved elements on the stone which need cleaning with soap and water, not chemicals. Carved stone elements will be produced to reconstruct the walls of the vestibule and the northern wall of the church. Infrastructure: Interior lighting needed for the monument as well as exterior lighting for outdoor spaces (general lighting and special lighting for events). Outdoor spaces and courtyard: The outdoor spaces and courtyard arrangement require cleaning of wild plants, laying stone tiles, creation of pavements around the monument and levelling to create the necessary space for surrounding green areas. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 6 7.6 Conservation / rehabilitation policy and proposals 7.6.1 Broad summary of the vision for the site, and its sustainability, at this preliminary stage The monument will be restored to allow public and tourist access. It will remain under the ownership and custody of the Institute of Cultural Monuments and under the protection of DRMK of Shkodra as a monument-museum. 7.6.2 Conservation philosophy Intervention works are planned in two stages: • First stage: restoration of the floor; reconstruction of the apse and cupola; reinforcement of the upper level of the walls with anti-seismic belt; consolidation and infill of the minaret. • Second phase: the building will be tiled; new doors and windows will be put in. Graphic and documentary evidence will be exhibited, showing the historic development of the castle along with archaeological findings and objects gathered from around the region, (clothes, household objects – typical of the region, craftsmen’s tools). Conservation is necessary because is it first category a monument and under state protection. The materials used will be similar to the ones already used in the church-mosque. 7.6.3 Level of intervention The first step for the conservation of the castle is to carry out archaeological excavations within and outside the monument with the intention of finding missing architectural elements: frames, capitals, columns, buttresses etc. These elements will be replaced by anastylosis. 7.6.4 Preliminary proposals for appropriate uses The monument will function as a museum 7.6.5 Opportunities for social uses and sustainable development - Adaptation of the site for cultural tourism. - Use by the community of Shkodra, as an inhabited district of the city. 7.6.6 Broad assessment of priorities for consolidation/covering, repair, conservation, restoration, rehabilitation - Restoration project design, architectural survey and research. - Masonry interventions. - Conservation of the interior. - Reconstruction of the roof and cross vault of the apses. - Humidity should be avoided on the first floor. - Decorative elements should be restored and maintained. 7.6.7 Public access The position of the church–mosque in the middle of the castle is favourable for the public and tourists. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 7 7.6.8 Other benefits Organised visits, aimed at presenting cultural heritage monuments; performing arts events; organising different sports activities, etc. 7.7 Finance 7.7.1 Broad assessment of budgetary needs and phasing 66 000 Euros is necessary for the conservation and rehabilitation of the monument, to adapt it to its new contemporary functions. Foundations Walls, supporting structure, apse, cupola Roof Ceilings and stone floor Doors / windows Plaster of walls Decorative elements Infrastructure / electric installation Outdoor space and courtyard Feasibility study is estimated to: 8 000 Euros 9 000 Euros 6 000 Euros 3 000Euros 8 000 Euros 10 000 Euros 2 000 Euros 5 000 Euros 10 000 Euros 5 000 Euros TOTAL COST: 66 000 Euros 7.7.2 Assessment of possibilities for attracting investments None 7.7.3 Assessment of possibilities for recovering investments None 7.7.4 Have you already tried to raise funds for this site or monument? If so, provide details Yes, but it was unsuccessful. 7.7.5 Have you already received funds for this site or monument? If so, provide details None 7.8 Management Institutional arrangements should be made between the Institute of Cultural Monuments and the Regional Directory for the arrangement and appropriate use of the monument. A custodian should be employed to maintain the monument and a guide to show tourists the valuable features of the church. 8. Documentation Extracts attached to the PTA: 1. Map of the site 2. Photos of the building 3. Survey drawings of the monument __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 9. 8 Feasibility Studies A feasibility study must be undertaken for a detailed study of the infrastructure’s restoration and how the monument will adapt to its new function. The restoration principles must be taken in consideration. The cost of the study is: 5 000 Euros PTA carried out by: Prof. Dr. Sulejman Dashi, Architect-restorer, ICM, Albania. Prof. Dr. Alkiviades Prepis, Architect, Greece, CoE expert. Draft man: Bashkim Penxha. Sign and date: August 2006 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 9 APPENDIX PHOTOS 1. The southern portico with the arcade. 2. North-West corner of the monument. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006 Preliminary Technical Assessment of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage in South East Europe ______________________________________________________________________ 10 3. Ground plan. 4. Cross section plans. 5. South elevation plan. 6. North elevation plan. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ St Stefan Church-Mosque – Shkodra – Albania 12 December 2006