National Iconographic Museum “Onufri”

The National Iconographic Museum “Onufri” is located in the heart of the Berat Castle, within the premises of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in 1797 on the foundations of an earlier church. It bears its name in honor of Onufri, one of the greatest painters of Albanian iconography of the 16th century, known for his unique color and use of the so-called “Onufri red”.

The museum exhibits a collection of about 200 iconographic and liturgical objects, dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries. It includes works by the most prominent authors of the Albanian iconographic school such as: Onufri, Nikolla (son of Onufri), Onufri the Cypriot, David Selenica, Kostandin Shpataraku and the renowned masters of the Çetiri family, who significantly influenced the development of post-Byzantine art in the country.

One of the most prominent elements of the museum is the monumental iconostasis of the Cathedral, crafted around 1806-1807, which is considered one of the highest achievements of Baroque wood carving in the entire Balkan region. This iconostasis, decorated with floral elements, sculpted ornaments and iconographic figures, represents the pinnacle of the craftsmanship of the artisans of the time.

The museum's collection also preserves rare ecclesiastical documents, including two important manuscripts protected by UNESCO: the Codex Purpureus Beratinus (6th century) and the Codex Aureus of Anthimos (9th century), which are of exceptional value for the study of the history of Christianity, linguistics, and Enlightenment art.

The "Onufri" Museum is evidence of the continuity of the Albanian iconographic tradition, which offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience through sacred art and stylistic developments from the late Byzantine period to the early 20th century.