Visiting Voskopojë Village and Its Historic Churches

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

How to reach Voskopojë from Korçë

Travel to the city of Korçë in southeastern Albania.
Drive west for approximately 21 kilometres on the SH63.
Find a permitted parking space in the village centre.
Walk the circular route to visit the primary church sites.

What makes the churches of Voskopojë significant?

They represent the peak of post-Byzantine art and 18th-century prosperity in the Balkans.

During the mid-1700s, Voskopojë was one of the largest cities in the region. The surviving churches, such as St. Nicholas and St. Athanasius, contain extensive fresco cycles painted by masters like David Selenica and the Zografi brothers. Most of these structures follow a basilica layout with distinctive external porticos.

Church Name	Key Feature
St. Nicholas (Shën Kolli)	Central location and frescoes by David Selenica
St. Athanasius (Shën Thanasi)	External porch with dramatic mural scenes
St. Michael (Shën Mëhill)	Three-aisled basilica with historic wall paintings
Monastery of St. John the Baptist	Set on a hill with panoramic views

How can I access the interior of the churches?

Many churches are kept locked to protect the frescoes, requiring a local keyholder to enter.

Visitors should ask in the village centre or at local guesthouses for the 'kujdestar' (caretaker). Ask the caretaker whether an entry charge applies; you can also offer a donation towards the upkeep of the sites.

When is the best time to visit Voskopojë?

Late spring through early autumn offers the best weather for walking between the sites.

At an elevation of roughly 1,160 metres, Voskopojë is significantly cooler than the Albanian coast. Winter brings heavy snow, which is ideal for a quiet retreat or skiing, but may make reaching some of the more remote churches on foot difficult.

What are the accommodation and dining options?

The village offers several traditional stone guesthouses and restaurants serving local Korçë specialities.

Staying overnight allows more time to explore the trails. The local cuisine is famous for 'lakror' (a traditional pie) and slow-cooked mountain lamb. Prices for a double room typically range between 30 and 60 Euros per night depending on the season.