Overview:

Saint Nicholas Monastery, Voskopojë In Albania is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in Voskopojë, Albania. The monastery is listed on the cultural heritage list of the National Agency of Protected Areas of Albania as an “important religious structure of national and universal value”. The monastery played a major role in the development of Albanian culture and it is believed by some to be the birthplace of the modern Albanian language. The monastery was built during the period of Serbian rule in the region during the mid-17th century and reconstructed during the 19th century. Its primary purpose was to serve as a hub of religious, spiritual, and scholarly life in the region. It also played an important role in the development of education and exchange of tangible goods throughout the region. Despite its destruction by Ottoman authorities in the 19th century, the monastery was restored when the region fell to the Kingdom of Serbia in 1912. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Church of Saint Nicholas Monastery: The Church of Saint Nicholas Monastery is the main feature of the monastery, which was built in the late 18th century. It is the most significant architectural masterpiece of Voskopojë and the whole region, boasting an extremely rich ornamentation. 2. Library and Archive: The monastery's library and archive contain a vast collection of rare manuscripts and documents from the 15th to 19th centuries. Notable manuscripts include works of 17th century local poets, a 17th century map of the region, and several volumes of Roman Catholic liturgical books. 3. Iconostasis: The elaborate iconostasis of the main church reflects the tradition of Orthodox icon-painting in the Voskopoja area. It consists of several paintings of saints, angels and local dignitaries, as well as scenes from the Bible. 4. Catholic Shrine: The monastery is also home to a Catholic shrine in the small chapel to the right of the church, which was built in the 16th century. 5. Icon Museum: The monastery also hosts an Icon Museum which displays religious museum pieces from the region, many of them dating back to the 17th century. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Saint Nicholas Monastery in Voskopojë (Gjiri i Voskopojës) is a historical monument of the Albanian Orthodox Church located in the southeastern part of the Republic of Albania. It is believed to have been founded in the mid-17th century, although some historians suggest the foundation of the monastery pre-dated the arrival of Christianity to the area. The monastery is home to a large collection of relics, manuscripts, and books dating from the late 14th to the 19th century. The monastery is believed to have been constructed between 1629 and 1632 by the local Orthodox Church, though some suggested the building was constructed earlier (between 1550 and 1650). Its construction likely was connected to the arrival of the Serbian Patriarchate of Pec in 1635. During the 18th century, the monastery experienced a period of prosperity and was recognized as a major center of Orthodox doctrine and culture. During this time, numerous books, manuscripts and books of prayers were printed and bound in the monastery and many local and foreign Orthodox scholars and preachers visited or stayed the monastery. The church was damaged several times throughout its history, particularly during the 19th century, when it was destroyed twice during an inter-Church conflict between the Orthodox and Catholic churches. In 1910, it was burned again during the Ottoman-Albanian War. After 1919, the monastery was reconstructed under the direction of Father Manastir Kyriacoulos and in 1946 it was renovated again after the Second World War. Today, the Saint Nicholas Monastery is a pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians from all over the world. It is also a National Monument and a part of the Voskopojë Cultural and Historical Monument, which is protected by the Albanian government. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Saint Nicholas Monastery, located in the town of Voskopojë in the Krasta region, is a Serbian Orthodox Church and monastery established in the 15th century. 2. It is one of the most significant cultural monuments and historical sites in Albania and the Balkans, as well as one of the most important centers for the preservation of manuscripts and books throughout the region. 3. Until 1769, the monastery was the center of the Serbian Orthodox diocese for the region, with other churches and monasteries located in its vicinity. 4. In 1980, the monastery was declared a National Monument of Culture by Albanian authorities. 5. The main building of the monastery is a two-story tower that dates back to the 16th century. It is said to have been built by Serbian monks, and is the best-preserved structure of its type in the country. 6. The monastery's library contains 15,000 ancient manuscripts and a notable collection of 1,500 printed volumes, making it one of the most precious libraries in the Balkans. 7. Recently, the interior of the monastery was renovated and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas were added to the interior walls of the building. 8. The monastery is open to visitors throughout the year and hosts a variety of religious and cultural events, such as liturgies and concerts. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era