St. Nicolas Monastery Church

The monastery was the largest in Albania. The wall originally had seven towers, only one remains. It dates from at least the 6th century, though the present buildings are probably from around 1050. The monastery provided both Catholic and Orthodox rites. Converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, a blue wash covers the original frescos. The complex was further destroyed during the Soviet era. It is near the National Park of Butrinti and is on the UNESCO list of historical monuments. Restoration of the church began in 2021 by the European Center for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments and the Albanian Ministry of Culture. The frescoes, marble elements and floor are to be restored. The first phase, removing later plaster and lime coatings was completed in 2024. Intact Byzantine-era frescoes were found under the white walls. The church, in the now abandoned monastery, is regarded as one of the finest of its kind. It is one of only 350 churches to survive the forty year rule of Enver Hoxha.