by Julian Vlashi

It is mentioned as a parish church in the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Arbër since 1407. It is constantly mentioned by the relators of the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries, etc. According to the Archbishop of Tivar Marin Bici, in 1610 Dom Nikoll Gjunsi served in the village of Dardhë with 30 houses. While according to the report of 1629 of the Bishop of the Diocese of Lezha, B. Orsini, St. Demetrius of Dardhë along with several other churches in the area, were damaged.

In the report of 1641, sent to the Congregation of Propaganda Fide, Archbishop Mark Skura writes, among other things: “…. Then there is Saint Veneranda of Pllanës, Saint Nikol of Zejmen, Saint Llezhdri of Bokjan (Spiten-Prull), Saint Dimitri of Dardhës, complete, with stones. They have many annuities and a large number of Christians…” According to the report of Anton Kryezez in 1753, the church was destroyed by Ottoman forces. In the report of 1789, the Bishop of Lezha Mëhill Kryezez writes, among other things:

“… This church, very old, destroyed, is dedicated to Saint Dimitri Martyr, who was once called Saint Dimitri of Dardhës.” The church has a rectangular plan measuring 8.2 m x 12.8 m and ending with a semi-circular apse on the eastern side.