Background

Onufri National Iconographic Museum: A Glimpse into Albanian Art History

Discover a remarkable collection of Byzantine art and religious icons at the Onufri Museum, housed in a historic church within Berat Castle.

4.5

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 iconographer Onufri, the museum offers a journey through centuries of religious artistry and Albanian cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more personal experience.
  • Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the artworks and their historical context.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Berat Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
  • Allow at least 60-90 minutes to fully explore the museum's collection.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Berat, the Onufri National Iconographic Museum is located within the Berat Castle, which sits on a hill overlooking the town. The walk to the castle entrance takes approximately 20-30 minutes, following a steep, cobbled road. Once through the main gate, follow the signs to the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary, where the museum is housed. Note that the road can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Berat and can take you to the entrance of Berat Castle. From there, it's a short walk to the Onufri National Iconographic Museum. A taxi ride from the city center to the castle entrance typically costs around 300-500 Lek. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. Keep in mind that during peak tourist season, taxis might be in high demand.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses connect the Berat Bus Terminal to the city center. From the city center bus stop, you can walk to the castle entrance in about 20-30 minutes. A single bus fare costs around 40 Lek. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information, as they may vary. Once at the castle entrance, follow the signs to the museum.

Unlock the Best of Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

The Onufri National Iconographic Museum, nestled within the historic Berat Castle, is a treasure trove of Albanian art and religious history. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary in the castle quarter. Established in 1986, the museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Orthodox Christian art, with a focus on Byzantine and post-Byzantine iconography. The museum is named in honor of Onufri, a master painter of the 16th century, whose works are renowned for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and unique artistic style. His innovative use of a secret crimson pigment is particularly noteworthy. The museum's collection comprises icons and liturgical objects dating from the 14th to the early 20th centuries. Visitors can admire works by Onufri, his son Nikola, and other Albanian iconographers such as Onufër Qiprioti, David Selenica, and Kostandin Shpataraku. The Church of the Dormition of St. Mary, which houses the museum, is itself a significant architectural monument. Rebuilt in 1797, it served as the city's cathedral and is a prime example of post-Byzantine architecture in Berat. The cathedral's wood carvings, crafted by masters Stefan Barka and Naum Ngjela, are considered some of the finest works by Albanian woodcarvers. The iconostasis (icon stand) of the cathedral, dating back to 1807, reflects baroque influences and principles typical of churches built in the Balkans during the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition to the icons and wood carvings, the museum also holds historical and cultural landmarks, including the two Codices of Berat discovered in 1968. These ancient texts, the "Codex Purpureus Beratinus" from the 6th century AD and the "Codex Aureus Anthimi" from the 9th century AD, are registered on UNESCO's "Memory of the World" list.

Popular Experiences near Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

Popular Hotels near Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri

Select Currency