Graffiti from the Church of the Holy Trinity in Berat, Albania: A Glimpse into Medieval Protective and Pilgrim Culture

Einblicke in die mittelalterliche Schutz- und Pilgerkultur

Andrea Pambuku

Specialist Archaeologist, Directorate of Archaeological Service (DSHA), National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK), Tirana, Albania , Albania
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6663-2163

Arjan Prifti

Head of museum, National Iconographic Museum “Onufri”, Berat, Albania , Albania
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9256-427X


Abstract

This study provides the first in–depth documentation and analysis of the graffiti inscribed on the columns of the church of the Holy Trinity in Berat, Albania. While the church itself has been extensively studied, its graffiti have remained largely overlooked in scholarly discourse. This research aims to address this gap by systematically documenting and categorizing the graffiti, thereby illuminating their historical, social, and religious significance. Despite their limited number, the graffiti offer valuable new data, providing insights into both personal and communal religious practices. Moreover, these inscriptions reflect broader cultural interactions that have shaped the church's history from its construction through the early modern period. The presence of these inscriptions suggests that the church was not only a place of worship but also a focal point for diverse social and spiritual expressions, including pilgrimage activities. By addressing the lack of extant historical records concerning these informal inscriptions, this study enhances our understanding of the multifaceted past of the church. The graffiti reveals how individuals engaged with the sacred space over the centuries, leaving behind traces of devotion, identity, and cultural exchange. This research amplifies the voices of individuals often absent from official narratives, offering a more nuanced perspective on the role of graffiti in medieval and early modern religious settings.

Keywords:

Byzantine Albania, graffiti documentation, cross graffiti, khachkar, pilgrimage


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Published
2025-12-11


Pambuku, A., & Prifti, A. (2025). Graffiti from the Church of the Holy Trinity in Berat, Albania: A Glimpse into Medieval Protective and Pilgrim Culture. Acta Mediaevalia. Series Nova, 2, 217–255. https://doi.org/10.31743/amsn.18415

Andrea Pambuku  pambukuandrea@gmail.com
Specialist Archaeologist, Directorate of Archaeological Service (DSHA), National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK), Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6663-2163
Arjan Prifti 
Head of museum, National Iconographic Museum “Onufri”, Berat, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9256-427X



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