TIRANA, February 27 – The National Institute of Cultural Heritage carried out field inspections at St. Nicholas Church in Krutje e Sipërme in preparation for restoration works.

The inspection aimed to assess the current condition of the monument. Institute specialists examined the structural state, identified long-standing damage, and reviewed factors affecting the church’s deterioration. In addition, the team evaluated elements related to the revision and implementation of the restoration project. The institute stated that the process seeks to preserve and promote this important cultural asset as part of the community’s historical identity.

St. Nicholas Church in Krutje e Sipërme represents a basilica-type structure with a double-pitched tiled roof. The building includes a western narthex and a portico with stone columns. Meanwhile, the naos contains three naves separated by two rows of wooden pillars that support a decorative ceiling.

A wooden iconostasis holds icons created by nineteenth-century artist Naum Çetiri. On the eastern wall, observers can see a classical division into three main registers. The lower register presents standing saints. Above it, a second register displays saints framed by arches supported by linear elements resembling columns. Higher sections depict scenes from the miracles of Christ. Similarly, the apse features standing saints in the lower zone, apostles above them, and Saint Mary Platytera at the top.

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