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St. Stephen's Cathedral: A Symbol of Faith and Resilience

Discover Shkodër's grand cathedral, a symbol of faith and resilience, reflecting Albania's rich religious history and cultural heritage.

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St. Stephen's Cathedral, also known as Shkodër Cathedral, stands as a prominent Roman Catholic landmark in Shkodër, Albania. Dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, its history is intertwined with Albania's tumultuous past, having served as a sports hall during the communist era before being restored as a place of worship.

A brief summary to Arqipeshkëvia Metropolitane Shkodër Katedralja e Shën Shtjefnit

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the Diocesan Museum behind the cathedral to learn about the history of Catholicism in Albania.
  • Admire the interior of the cathedral, paying special attention to the coffered ceiling painted by Kolë Idromeno.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, especially if you plan to attend a mass or tour the Diocesan Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Stephen's Cathedral is located on Sheshi “Gjon Pali II” in the heart of Shkodër, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Rruga Kolë Idromeno, the main pedestrian street, walk east towards the Sheshi “Gjon Pali II”. The cathedral will be directly in front of you. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses in Shkodër serve the city center. Check local bus routes for the nearest stop to Sheshi “Gjon Pali II”. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the cathedral. A single bus fare within the city costs approximately 40-100 Lek.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Shkodër. A short taxi ride from the city center to St. Stephen's Cathedral will typically cost around 800 Lek. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Note that prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Unlock the Best of Arqipeshkëvia Metropolitane Shkodër Katedralja e Shën Shtjefnit

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Discover more about Arqipeshkëvia Metropolitane Shkodër Katedralja e Shën Shtjefnit

St. Stephen's Cathedral, or Katedralja e Shën Shtjefnit, is more than just a religious building; it's a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Shkodër. The cathedral's story begins long before its current structure, with the original cathedral believed to have been within the walls of Rozafa Castle. After the Ottoman conquest in 1478, the original cathedral was converted into a mosque. Centuries later, in 1851, the Catholic community sought permission from the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I to build a new cathedral. Construction commenced in 1858, with financial support from both the Sultan and Pope Pius IX, and was completed in 1867. At the time, it was one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the Balkans. The cathedral suffered damage during the Siege of Scutari in 1912-1913 and was heavily affected by the atheist campaign of the Communist government in 1967, when it was converted into a sports hall and its bell tower was destroyed. The cathedral was reopened in 1990, marking a pivotal moment in Albania's return to religious freedom. Pope John Paul II visited in 1993, further solidifying its importance. The three-aisled church can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers and features a striking coffered ceiling painted in 1909 by Albanian artist Kolë Idromeno. Visitors can also explore the Diocesan Museum located behind the cathedral, which showcases the history of Albanian Catholicism.

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