Voskopojë Churches and Frescoes: Guide to St Nicholas and St Athanasius

Updated 2026-11-02 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.

How to visit the Voskopojë churches

Travel to Korçë by bus or car, which serves as the main regional hub.
Drive or take a local minibus (furgon) approximately 20km west to the village of Voskopojë.
Locate the village caretaker or check the church entrances; doors are often locked, and a local guide or key-holder is usually required for entry.
Pay a small voluntary donation or a modest entrance fee as requested by the site guardian.

What makes the St Nicholas Church in Voskopojë special?

St Nicholas (Shën Kolli) is the most famous church in the village due to its remarkable frescoes by David Selenica completed in 1726.

The interior walls are covered in detailed murals that represent the peak of the 18th-century Moscopole school of art. The church features a basilica design with a large stone arcade and an impressive iconostasis that survived the cultural destruction of the communist era.

What can you see at the Church of St Athanasius?

St Athanasius (Shën Thanasi) is known for its vibrant 1745 frescoes painted by the Zografi brothers, Konstandin and Athanas.

Located on a hill overlooking the village, this church stands beside the village cemetery. The paintings here are distinct for their dramatic depictions of biblical scenes and the use of rich colours, although parts of the paintings have suffered deterioration.

How do you get to Voskopojë from Korçë?

Voskopojë is roughly a 30-minute drive from Korçë via a paved mountain road.

Public minibuses connect Korçë with Voskopojë, with reported morning and afternoon departures; confirm the departure point and return times locally. For more flexibility, taxis are available in Korçë; agree the fare and any waiting time before departure, or you can rent a car to explore the surrounding pine forests.

When is the best time to visit the frescoes?

Late spring through early autumn offers favourable weather, but arrange access with the church guardians in advance.

The village sits at an altitude of about 1,160 metres, meaning winters are cold and often snowy. Visiting during the week is generally quieter than weekends when local tourists arrive from Korçë and Tirana.

Feature	St Nicholas	St Athanasius
Primary Painter	David Selenica	Zografi Brothers
Completion Date	Circa 1722	Circa 1745
Location	Village Centre	Northern Hillside

Is there an entry fee for the churches?

A fixed admission charge could not be verified; ask the caretaker whether a fee applies or donations are welcome.

These are protected religious monuments, though St Athanasius is not regularly used for worship. Carry small denominations of Albanian Lek if you wish to make a donation.