The 13th century Byzantine church of St. Nicholas in the village of Kurjan, the south-western municipality of Roskovec, is the newest tourist attraction, following a recent project to restore to its former beauty and glory after being abandoned for over 50 years. Perched on a high ground amid nature’s stunning landscape, the church is increasingly attracting the visitors’ attention.
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the St. Nicholas church in Kurjan that was recently renovated under a project jointly developed by the Institute of Cultural Monuments and the Municipality of Roskovec. Minister of Culture Elva Margariti said that the St. Nicholas restoration project included reconstruction works as well as the revitalization of the surrounding area. “The project was not limited in the church’s restoration only, but it also included a series of exterior restoration works, which is exactly the successful formula we are seeking to adopt when revitalizing all old churches in the villages across the country, because we can’t limit projects on restoration of roofs or emergent parts only and they would not become sites with tourist and cultural potential should we not restore also the surrounding area. There is a lot to be done in terms of signs and tourist information aspects, but a great job has been already done with the resting places and panoramic views. This is actually the most beautiful part of this whole panorama and the church’s position on the hilltop favours nature tourism.”
The Mayor of Roskovec Majlinda Bufi the whole area where the church is located has been transformed thanks to the restoration project. “Nothing used to exist here previously, I mean none of the things you see now. The project included lighting system, construction of the stairs, the interior restoration works and walls reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the surrounding area. It has a special effect to the local residents and visitors alike.”
The Church of St. Mark has rare architectural and cultural values. The murals inside the church are works by iconographer Nikola, son of Onufri, and they will be completely restored during a second stage of the project.
“It’s a 13th century Byzantine church. It previously had a dome-shaped cross but its dome has collapsed over the years. The southern branch of the ancient road Egnatia stretched near this area and it is actually an added value to the entire itinerary of the “Road of Faith.” Churches and other religious sites in Myzeqe area are famous, as they Paleo Christian decorative plaques are integrated into their bodies. Such plaques have been unearthed during the archaeological excavations in the surrounding area. The restoration works are designed to restore the church to its former identity. The project’s second phase is ready and it will include restoration of frescoes dating back to 1578. The frescoes have been painted by iconographer Nikolla, son of Onufri, who, together with Joan. The church frescoes need to be restored during the project’s second phase,” Minister of Culture explained.
The restoration project has preserved the nature’s element, such as the olive symbolism by best integrating it with the landscape, culture and history.
