Churches / Cave church of Sts Peter and Paul – Konjsko

Cave church of Sts Peter and Paul – Konjsko

The cave church of Sts Peter and Paul lies in the folds of Prečna Mountain, about 1.5 km south of the village of Konjsko, on the western shore of Lake Prespa. The church occupies a natural opening in the rock. As the lake level has dropped, it now sits about 20 metres up the cliff, and it is very difficult to reach.

The cave has two parts: a front chamber that served as a place of prayer, and an inner part that served as a monk's dwelling. The wall paintings date from the late 14th century. The images of Jesus Christ and of the apostles Peter and Paul survive, along with several martyrs whose names are unknown.

The painter's name is not known, but he clearly understood both the artistic and the theological meaning of what he painted. He is thought to have followed the methods of the workshop that painted the churches of the Holy Mother of God Zaumska (1361) and St George on the Hill in Kastoria. Its unusual iconographic programme has made the church a subject of academic research.

Konjsko is also the closest village to the island of Golem Grad, so a visit can be combined with a boat trip. Because the climb is difficult, go to the cave only with a local guide.