Xhamia e Plumbit, Shkodra Highlands Travel Guide

4.4 (156)

Discover Xhamia e Plumbit in Shkodër: A historical mosque showcasing Ottoman architecture and Albania's rich cultural heritage.

Xhamia e Plumbit, also known as the Lead Mosque, is a historical mosque in Shkodër, Albania, showcasing exquisite Ottoman architecture. Built in the 18th century by Mehmed Pasha Bushati, it stands as a cultural landmark reflecting the region's diverse history.

A brief summary to Xhamia e Plumbit

Rruga e Tabakëve 1, Shkodër, AL
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Xhamia e Plumbit.

Dress modestly when visiting the mosque to show respect for local customs.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photography.
Take time to explore the surrounding area, which includes other historical landmarks and beautiful parks.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

park Lake Shkodër

Кalaja e Shkodrёs

Shkodra

Arqipeshkëvia Metropolitane Shkodër Katedralja e Shën Shtjefnit

View from Shkodra

Explore Xhamia e Plumbit on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Xhamia e Plumbit, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Shkodër, head north on Rruga Kolë Idromeno for about 1 kilometer. Turn right onto Rruga e Tabakëve and continue walking; Xhamia e Plumbit will be located on your right at Rruga e Tabakëve 1.
Public Transport

From the main bus station in Shkodër, walk towards the city center. Take Rruga e Tabakëve, a short 10-minute walk, and you will find Xhamia e Plumbit at Rruga e Tabakëve 1. Bus tickets from Tirana to Shkoder cost approximately 400 lek. A local bus from the Shkoder bus station to the city center is approximately 100 lek.
Car

From the center of Kelmendi, head southeast on Rruga e Kelmendit towards the main road. Turn left onto SH1 and continue for approximately 30 kilometers. As you enter the city of Shkodër, follow the signs for the city center, then turn onto Rruga e Tabakëve. Xhamia e Plumbit will be on your right at Rruga e Tabakëve 1. Parking near the mosque is limited; consider parking in the city center and walking or taking a short taxi ride. Parking costs in the city center range from 100-200 lek per hour.

Discover more about Xhamia e Plumbit

Xhamia e Plumbit, or the Lead Mosque, is a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture located in Shkodër, Albania. Constructed between 1773 and 1774 by Mehmed Pasha Bushati, the mosque's name originates from the lead plates that once covered its domes. Bushati, the Albanian pasha, intended to give his city the feeling of a capital through this act.The mosque's design features an elegant minaret and a series of domes, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and artistic flair. Inside, visitors can admire stunning calligraphy and decorative motifs that highlight Albania's rich artistic heritage. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the resilience and faith of the local community throughout Albania's history.Over the years, Xhamia e Plumbit has faced numerous challenges, including damage from wars, natural disasters, and the theft of its lead covering. In 1967, lightning destroyed the minaret, which was later reconstructed. The mosque also survived the atheist campaign of the Albanian communist regime due to its designation as a cultural monument in 1948. After a thorough reconstruction, financially supported by Turkey, it was reopened in 2025 and is now surrounded by a small park that serves as a flood barrier.