Livings symbolism in ecclesiastical architecture of st. Nocolas Church of the Monastery in Mesopotam
The purpose of this article is to describe the symbolism of living creatures used in the ecclesiastical architecture of the Church of St. Nicholas in the Monastery of Mesopotamia that represents one of the most prominent monuments of Albanian culture. This monument is notable not only for its outstanding architectural features, but also for its decorative elements that include the floor, capitals, sculptures on the exterior walls and symbolism with expressions of animal and plant creatures. Symbols, particularly in thiscontexts, the eagle as a symbol of leadership is as old as gods, and ruling dynasties. As an archetype it can represent an all powerful deity, the sun (the same thing in many ancient religions), raw power, dominance, freedom of movement, etc.. The lion and the snake appear as frequent possible accompanying elements, while the dragon is encountered in almost as many objects. Their potential is clear to anyone who has an imaginative approach. Even in the case of St. Nicholas Church in Mesopotamia, the symbols appear as a very powerful expression of the facade of the monument.