Temples & religious sites
Church St. Nicholas
Church of St. Nicholas
Located in the village of Shelcan near Elbasan, this Albanian Orthodox church is primarily visited for its interior art. The walls are covered in frescoes painted by Onufri, a prominent 16th-century icon painter known for a specific shade of red.
Getting There
The church is situated outside the main urban center of Elbasan. Travelers typically reach the village of Shelcan via taxi or rental car. The drive from the city center takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
Visit Duration
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours at the site. This allows enough time to examine the detailed frescoes and the architectural layout of the church.
When to Visit
Visiting during the morning hours provides consistent natural light for viewing the interior. While it does not typically experience the extreme crowds found in major capital cities, it is quieter during weekdays than on weekends.
Nearby Attractions
The site can be combined with other landmarks in and around Elbasan. Depending on your transport, you can visit the following locations:
- Fusha e Elbasanit: 4.9km
- Naziresha Mosque: 6.3km
- Namazgjah, Elbasan: 6.5km
- Ballia Mosque: 7.1km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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