Berat Museum unveils restored 16th-century icon for European Heritage Week

The National Museum Center of Berat kicked off the European Heritage Week with the public unveiling of the 16th-century icon “The Five Apostles,” attributed to Onufër Qiprioti, or Onufri the Cypriot. The icon had been stored for decades in the collection of the Onufri Iconographic Museum and was only recently restored. It will now become a permanent part of the museum’s exhibition.

Why is this relevant

The restoration and display of “The Five Apostles” coincide with European Heritage Days, an initiative celebrated across Europe to promote and protect cultural heritage. This year’s theme, “Routes, Networks, and Connections,” inspired the choice to spotlight the well-known iconographer Onufri the Cypriot, who continued the legacy of the famous Onufri, blending Byzantine, Cypriot, and Cretan artistic influences. 

“By continuing Onufri’s brilliant tradition, Onufër Qiprioti integrates Mediterranean and Balkan influences, positioning Berat’s iconography within a broader artistic network,” stated the National Museum Center of Berat.

Context

The Onufri Museum, named after the iconic 16th-century Albanian painter Onufri, is home to a vast collection of religious art, showcasing the blend of Byzantine and local styles that defines Albanian iconography. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich tradition of religious art, with its churches and museums preserving stunning icons from various schools.