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Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri: A Treasure of Albanian Iconography

Discover a treasure trove of Byzantine art and Albanian iconography at the Onufri Museum, housed in a historic church within Berat Castle.

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Housed within the 18th-century Church of the Dormition of St. Mary in Berat Castle, the Onufri National Iconographic Museum showcases a stunning collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art. Named after the renowned 16th-century Albanian icon painter Onufri, the museum offers a glimpse into the country's rich artistic and religious heritage.

A brief summary to Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds for a more personal experience.
  • Consider the audio guide for deeper insights into the artworks and their historical context.
  • Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the museum's collection.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Berat, the Onufri Museum is located approximately 1.3 km away within the Berat Castle. The walk to the castle entrance involves a steady uphill climb through the town's historic streets. Once inside the castle walls, follow the signs to the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary, where the museum is located. Allow approximately 20-30 minutes for the walk from the town center to the museum entrance. Note that the castle charges an entrance fee of 300 Lek (€3) between 9:00 and 16:00 from Tuesday to Saturday, and between 9:00 and 14:00 on Sundays.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Berat and offer a convenient way to reach the entrance of Berat Castle. A taxi ride from the city center to the castle typically costs around 300-500 Lek (€3-€5), depending on the exact location and time of day. From the taxi drop-off point at the castle entrance, follow the signs to the Onufri Museum, located within the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary. Note that the castle charges an entrance fee of 300 Lek (€3) between 9:00 and 16:00 from Tuesday to Saturday, and between 9:00 and 14:00 on Sundays.

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Discover more about Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

The Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri, located within the historic Berat Castle, is a captivating journey into Albania's artistic and religious heritage. The museum is set within the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary, originally built in 1797 on the foundations of an older church, and which served as the city's cathedral until 1967. The museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Orthodox Christian art, with a focus on the works of Onufri, a master of color and creativity. His icons are known for their vivid red hues, a secret crimson pigment that has yet to be replicated. The collection includes 173 objects, with 106 icons and 67 liturgical objects by Albanian iconographers from the 14th to 20th centuries. Visitors can also explore the chapel behind the iconostasis and admire its frescoes. The museum's collection features works by Onufri, his son Nikolla, Onufër Qiprioti, David Selenica, Kostandin Shpataraku, and the Çetiri brothers, among other anonymous artists. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the sacred artworks reflect the rich spiritual heritage of the region. The gilded iconostasis, with its sophisticated wood carvings, dates back to 1806 and was created by Stefan of Berat.

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