Monastery of Saint Peter and Pavli, Vithkuq

The Monastery of Saint Peter and Pavli in Vithkuq is an important cultural and historical monument of the Korca region. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this sacred structure was painted by the famous painters Kostandin and Athanas Zografi. The monastery church is a tripartite basilica which has an imposing dome and the interior paintings are a work of bright art from the National Renaissance period. The iconostasis, made with the technique of flat wood carving, is one of the most attractive works of this monastery, containing floral motifs and scenes adapted from village life.

The monastery has a rich history, serving as the center of cultural and religious life in the surrounding area. With over 40 inns, 500 sheep, and 25 shops in Korça, as well as holdings such as olive groves in Vlora and a village mill, it has been an important economic institution for the local community. The annual income of the monastery appeared to be 400 lira per year.

Although its mansions were destroyed during the Second World War, the remaining church of the saint and its iconostasis remain a profound test of the Orthodox Christian heritage and the art of the past. Today, the Monastery of Saint Peter and Paul is an important tourist destination and a quiet place for reflection and worship for believers and those interested in the history and culture of the region.