"The first nomadic shepherds left a large fire in autumn and found it still burning the following spring. They made the sign of the cross, pondered this miracle together, and decided to establish a sanctuary in the desired place: Saint Friday.This was the founding day of early Voskopoja. Here they would stay forever," this is the legend that has accompanied the creation of the oldest Balkan city since 1330, according to the memories of Dhori Falo, the most renowned historian of the area.
When it comes to tourist destinations, Southeast Europe undoubtedly offers a wide range of choices, but this time Dritare TV decided to travel to Voskopoja. For years, Voskopoja has known how to develop and be the "hot spot" of the entire region, in every season. Just a few kilometers from the city of Korça, this tourist village invites you to get to know it inside out. It couldn't be otherwise, as many years ago Voskopoja concealed an entire civilization with over 30,000 inhabitants. Voskopoja was a developed cultural center founded in 1330, where the second printing press in the Ottoman Empire was established, the New Academy was founded, an orphanage, the first in the post-Byzantine world, a hospital, and 30 unique churches.But fate would have it that this civilization would not develop, but would be burned, looted, by wars or earthquakes, losing the most important institutions that had been established in Voskopoja.From that past glory, today one can admire the Monastery of Saint Prodromos, the Cathedral Church "Dormition of Saint Mary", the Church of Saint Athanasius, the Church of Saint Nicholas, the Church of Saint George, or other objects that carry high architectural, cultural and religious values. Voskopoja is a trace of the past, showing that the cultural wealth it had was not enough to keep it standing as the oldest civilization in the Balkans.This village was barbarically burned, says Anton Falo, a resident of one of the oldest families in this village, also the son of Professor Dhori Falo, the man who gave everything to his Voskopoja.Mr. Falo recounts leaving Albania, being denied the right to education, life as an immigrant, and then returning to build a tourist resort in Voskopoja, to preserve his father's house.
"Voskopoja 300 years ago was one of the largest in the Balkans, with 30,000 inhabitants. It produced its own stamp and currency, had copper and gold workshops, but was burned three times. Now it remains a village with about 500 inhabitants. Voskopoja attracts many tourists, not only for its history, climate, beautiful nature but also for the sake of its tradition. All of Albania likes Voskopoja as it is a village with many traditions and very welcoming," says Mr. Falo.Mr. Falo was enthusiastic when talking about his birthplace, sometimes even shy that he might make a mistake, with the historical evidence that his father has carved so well in his book dedicated to Voskopoja, "The Tragedy of a City".After showing us the square where the residents gather, Mr. Falo further spoke about the wonderful churches, which are preserved with such fanaticism. But the history of Voskopoja is not hidden only here, there is plenty more, but nevertheless, Mr. Falo, even after several hours of filming, was just as enthusiastic to tell."Voskopoja is not a legend, its name dates back early, and this is shown today by the road of the founding of the first village, near the church of Saint Friday in the 14th century, until its destruction at the end of the 18th century," says Mr. Falo.
Rightly so, as we gazed at every alley and lane of Voskopoja, the question arises: Who built them? What people lived here? Happy or miserable?But immediately all these inner worries are extinguished when you see before your eyes, roofs covered with tiles, high walls, stone columns, numerous windows with iron bars, or thousands of courtyards adorned with trees and greenery.
But still you ask; What was this city like?As we touched on the key points of this village, I noticed the clear water in the village fountains used for drinking, the old cobblestones, the uphill streets and neighborhoods, which are authentic as they were built decades ago.The most special fountain that is frequented most often by tourists is the "Golden Fountain", which undoubtedly what distinguishes it is the legend!"This fountain has a legend of two young lovers. Even today its sand shines like gold, just like the girl's jewelry that fell in this place," says Mr. Falo.For a young person, the history of Voskopoja and its civilization is little known, perhaps because new things are replacing the old, unintentionally ignoring the personalities that this pearl of the Southeast has "hidden". When you hear this account of Voskopoja today, don't say "once upon a time there was a city", but go visit it, learn, read, meet those who keep this tourist area standing, and you will see that in every corner an ancient civilization is speaking to you!
Voskopoja, with its stone roofs!"

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