Gozhdarazhde – Travel information on nature, routes and culture

Gozhdarazhde is part of a road cycling route from Qendër Leskovik to Korçë; the route passes through Gozhdarazhdë, Ersekë and Mollas. Nature, church architecture and different ways of travelling can be considered as separate themes when comparing the regional impressions.

For further location selection, you can also find Kamenicë, Tushemisht, Dardhë, Ersekë, Tuminec and Gërmenj.

When planning on a budget, you can compare a hotel's travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions for Gozhdarazhde on deal pages. The three details make different booking conditions visible and can be checked against your own travel plans, the intended period and the desired room size.

Culture

At the entrance to the village of Barmash stands Saint Mary Church. According to the inscription, it was painted in 1616. The building is an example of a distinctive post-Byzantine architectural type and consists of a nave, a narthex and a porch. Thus, at this location, the focus is not only on the church building itself, but also on its architectural layout and the dating of the painting.

Nature

Lake Gramoz Glacier lies at an altitude of around 2,400 metres, is glacial in origin and is fed mainly by snowmelt and precipitation. Its elevation is therefore just as much part of its description as the way it was formed and its natural inflows.

The Gërmenj-Shelegur Managed Nature Reserve is a transboundary area with mountains, deep valleys, wetlands, rushing streams and dense forests of firs, oaks and black pines. It is considered a destination for long hikes, camping and picnics. The landscape elements do not represent a uniform picture: mountains and deep valleys describe the terrain, wetlands and streams the water-dominated areas, while firs, oaks and black pines distinguish the forest types. Together with the described uses for long hikes, camping and picnics, this creates a thematic range that places nature observation and outdoor stays side by side.

The surroundings of Barmash offer opportunities for hiking, exploring nature and observing the species-rich flora and fauna of Kolonjë. A specimen of the longhorn beetle Agapanthia (s. str.) cardui (Linnaeus, 1767) was recorded in Korçë District near Gozhdarazhde, close to Gërmenj, at an altitude of 990 metres on 23 May 2016.

Getting around

A frequently used route to Lake Gramoz Glacier leads from Ersekë via the village of Starjë. Because of the elevation and mountainous terrain, physical preparation and suitable equipment are required. The information on altitude, terrain and route progression indicates a distinctly mountain-oriented route character.

During a picnic in the Gozhdarazhdë locality near the turnoff to Sanjollas, a small, brand-new chapel with around twelve chairs arranged around a large carpet and a passage to the altar provided shelter. The Gozhdarazhd parking area has space for two small motorhomes.

One drive passes through Selenicë, Ersekë, Borovë and Barmash to the desired destination.

For the higher-level travel overview: Qark Korça.