St. Mary's Church on Maligrad island in Lake Prespa Critical analysis of the restoration project

This paper critically examines the ongoing restoration of St Mary’s Church, located on the Maligrad Island in the Albanian part of Lake Prespa. Built in 1369 by the Serbian nobleman Kesar Novak, this Orthodox church is located within a natural cave on the cliff and is a historical and artistic jewel, as it is embellished with centuries-old frescoes and characterised by its close connection with the surrounding nature. The current restoration project is multifaceted, aiming to refurbish various aspects of the church, particularly its surfaces and the frescoes. A significant aspect of this project includes enhancing the church’s accessibility from the lake and improving its lighting, particularly to augment its night-time ambiance. This paper critically analyses the restoration project, assessing in particular its adherence to established theoretical principles of historical restoration and understanding the methodology adopted. In the broader spectrum of the ongoing discourse concerning the synergy between restoration theory and practical application, this critique meticulously examines the design decisions made during the restoration. In particular, it is investigated how the new access routes and lighting systems are in harmony with the historical authenticity of the church and how the symbiotic relationship of the church with its natural environment is emphasised. This interdisciplinary study contributes significantly to the broader discourse surrounding the challenges and opportunities inherent in executing restoration projects. By delving into the specifics of St. Mary’s Church’s restoration, the paper tries to bridge the gap between the execution of this project and the general principles of restoration theory. The results of this analysis offer valuable insights that serve as a guide for future conservation and restoration initiatives, particularly those that aim to safeguard unique cultural heritage sites such as St. Mary’s Church, overlooking Lake Prespa, in order to pass them on to future generations.