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Onufri Iconographic Museum
The Onufri Iconographic Museum is located within the Castle of Berat and is dedicated to the work of the most famous 16th-century Albanian icon painter. The museum is housed in the Cathedral of the Dormition of Saint Mary, built in 1797, which is itself an outstanding example of Orthodox church architecture. The collection includes over 170 valuable objects, including icons, carved wooden iconostases, and liturgical items from various Albanian churches and monasteries. Onufri was renowned for his realistic style and the use of spirited colors, particularly a unique shade of red that is now world-famous as Onufri Red. His works marked a turning point in Byzantine painting by placing greater emphasis on human emotions and individual facial features. In addition to Onufri's masterpieces, the museum exhibits works by his son Nikola and other significant masters from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Its location within the historic citadel of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a unique spiritual and historical atmosphere for visitors.
- Location: Albania
- Top sights: Kisha e Shën Kollit · St. Mary of Blachernae Church · White mosque
- Nearby: Kuçovë (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 105 | 92 | 82 | 61 | 58 | 37 | 21 | 25 | 79 | 98 | 125 | 131 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The museum was inaugurated in 1986 within the Berat Cathedral.
- It houses a collection of 173 selected religious artifacts.
- The painter Onufri was a master of the Byzantine style in the 16th century.
- Onufri Red is a unique color formula that he developed himself.
- The cathedral's iconostasis was carved from wood in 1806.
- Berat, where the museum is located, has been a UNESCO site since 2008.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Onufri Iconographic Museum (10)
Holy Trinity Church
Church building in Berat, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
Cistern
Ruins of a cistern in Berat, used for water storage.
Red Mosque
Ruins of a mosque in Berat, once plastered in red.
Lapidar WW2
Monument in Berat, commemorates World War II.
Xhamia e Sahatit
Mosque in Berat, also known as the clock mosque.
Sunrise Point
Viewpoint in Berat, suitable for watching the sunrise.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Onufri Museum located?
Who was Onufri?
What is special about 'Onufri Red'?
What can you see in the museum?
Is there an entry fee for the castle?
Onufri Iconographic Museum: where is it located?
Onufri Iconographic Museum: what is there to see?
Onufri Iconographic Museum: when is the best time to visit?
Onufri Iconographic Museum: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
