The village of Vouliarates or Vouliarati, which lies at the foot of the eastern side of Mount Koziaka, is one of the most picturesque villages of the valley, which is crossed by the river Drinos. Archaeological findings from the 3rd century BC, such as clay weights and seals, give us evidence of the existence of a settlement and the possible operation of pottery workshops in this area. Following a parallel course with other communities in the prefecture of Gjirokast\u00ebr, Vouliarates, in the late Byzantine and modern times, developed an intense economic activity, mainly linked to trade. As a result, a significant number of schools and churches were built throughout the surrounding area.
\nThe Holy Church of St. Athanasios at the north-eastern entrance of the village of Vouliarates is part of a cemetery complex, which dates back to the 16th century. A low stone wall delimits the area, within which a Byzantine church used to exist. It is probable that the present building was erected on the foundations of the old church. The ground around the temple is laid out in terraces connected by stone paths. The complex includes, apart from the scattered tombs, a shed gallery, \u201chagiati\u201d, and a traditional, three-level stone bell tower on the right side of the main entrance gate in the courtyard of the church, with double and single arched openings alternating on the second and third levels respectively.
\nThe \u201chagiati\u201d shed needs maintenance and restoration, as it was abandoned for a long time, but it remains an important building for the operation of the site and the cater of the needs of the believers. It is a simple building, with most of the side open to the east, with six arched openings supported on columns. Its roof follows the type of the roof of the nave and is covered with the traditional slate roof of the area. On rainy days, the believers used and continue to use this space as part of their religious duties, which have to do with a funeral or memorial service.
\nThe most important building of the complex is that of the church, dedicated to the memory of Saint Athanasios, Patriarch of Alexandria, which is located opposite and diagonal to the hagiati, on the north side of the fenced area of the cemetery. The exact date of the original foundation of the church, unfortunately, is not known. It is, however, evident from the form of the building, especially internally, that it has undergone various phases of reconstruction and additions. More specifically, on the eastern side, the coexistence of architectural elements of different eras is evident, with the part of the triple-nave sanctuary being the oldest, with distinctly different masonry. Various dates of interventions and reconstructions are mentioned in written sources and appear in inscriptions, which survive in various parts of the church, as well as in a wooden triptych, which survives with a more specific reference to the year 1574.<\/p>\n