Overview:

Saint Nicholas Church, or the Church of St. Nicholas, is a 17th century Orthodox church located in Voskopojë, a village in the Korçë District of Albania. The church was built in 1619 and is one of the most impressive examples of late Renaissance architecture in Albania. It is a remarkable example of the Byzantine and Ottoman influences on Albanian culture and architecture. The interior of the church is colorful and consists of frescoes from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries painted by the Greek artists. The church is a place of worship and contains many relics and religious artifacts. Saint Nicholas Church is considered to be one of the most important cultural heritages of Albanian and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Neo-Venetian style architecture- The Saint Nicholas Church, located in the small town of Voskopojë in Albania, is an example of the Venetian influence in Albanian architecture. The church, built in the 18th century, is an example of the mixing of Venetian Baroque and neoclassical styles, and features multiple towers, arched rooflines, and intricate stonework. 2. Frescoes- The church is best known for its beautiful frescoes, which were painted in the early 19th century by Albanian painter David Selenica. The frescoes depict various religious scenes, and are considered some of the finest examples of Ottoman-influenced Albanian religious art. 3. Icons- The church also houses a large collection of icons, which are believed to date back to the 17th century. The icons depict various religious figures and were created by artists from the local area. 4. Churchyard- The church has a large courtyard which is decorated with marble and stonework. The courtyard is a tranquil place to take a walk and admire the beauty of the church and its surrounding area. 5. Bell tower- The bell tower of the church is a prominent feature of the building, and is visible from the town centre(Enver Hoxha Square). The bell tower is an example of the Baroque style, and is decorated with stonework, marble, and a large bell which can be heard throughout the town. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Church of Saint Nicholas in Voskopojë, Albania, is a historic church located in the city of Voskopojë. It was built during the seventeenth century and is one of the most significant surviving examples of Albanian Orthodox religious architecture. The exact date of construction of the church is not known, but it is believed that it was built sometime around 1675-1685. It is a single-nave structure made of stone, with the traditional cupola above the altar. The entrance is covered by a semicircular arch, and the walls are decorated with floral motifs. The church was an integral part of the religious life of Voskopojë during the 18th century, and became the most important church in the city in the 19th century. In 1815, a large iconostasis was added to the church by the archbishop of Durrës, Dionisios I. During the 19th century, the church also became home to many religious schools, and was a center for spiritual and cultural life. In 2009, the church underwent a renovation to restore it to its original condition. Improved lighting and ventilation were installed, as well as a new roof. The main belltower was also restored, and the interior was decorated with new fresco paintings. Today, the Church of Saint Nicholas is still one of the most important examples of Albanian Orthodox religious architecture. It continues to be used as an active place of worship by the local Voskopojë population. The church is also open to the public as a tourist destination, and it is listed as a historical and cultural monument by the Albanian government. Sources Voskopoje.org - The Church of St. Nicholas Church of Saint Nicholas Voskopoja Touri Albania - The Saint Nicholas Church Voskopoja Restoration of Monumental Buildings Church of St Nicholas Voskopoje Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Nicholas Church was originally built in the late 17th century, but was destroyed by the Ottoman Empire in 1769. 2. It was rebuilt in the early 1800's and is the most famous structure in the city of Voskopojë. 3. It is the only church left standing from the Ottoman suppression of Christianity. 4. The bells of Saint Nicholas Church are still ringing, even centuries after its destruction! 5. It is said to be the largest church in the entire country of Albania. 6. The interior of the church is adorned with Bible stories, symbols of the Virgin Mary, and the apostles. 7. Saint Nicholas Church is considered to be the crown jewel of the Albanian Orthodox churches. 8. Inside the church, there is an ornate painting that was painted in 1772 which still remains in perfect condition. 9. The Church underwent a major renovation in the late 1940s and looks much like it did first constructed centuries ago. 10. It is the place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians and a wonderful example of Byzantine architecture. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era