National Iconographic Museum Onufri, Berat

Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Albania, lies the National Iconographic Museum Onufri. Housed in the ancient Church of the Dormition of Saint Mary within the fortress of Berat, the museum is named after the renowned 16th-century icon painter, Onufri. This museum is a testament to Albania's rich religious and artistic heritage, offering visitors an insight into the country's Byzantine and post-Byzantine culture.

The National Iconographic Museum Onufri boasts an impressive collection of over 100 icons and other liturgical artifacts, showcasing the distinctive style of Onufri, known for his vibrant use of color, especially his signature red. The icons, some of which date back to the 14th century, are not only religious artifacts but also masterpieces of art, reflecting the skill and spirituality of the painters who created them.

As visitors step into the hallowed halls of the museum, they are transported back in time, surrounded by the stunning frescoes and the serene atmosphere of the church. The museum's collection extends beyond Onufri's works, featuring pieces by other anonymous masters, his son Nikolla, and various students who have carried on the tradition of iconography in the Balkans.

The museum's setting in Berat adds to its allure, with the city known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows" for its unique Ottoman architecture. The museum itself is a cultural icon, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of various religious and cultural influences throughout Albania's history.