St Paul's Archcathedral, Catholic cathedral in Tirana, Albania.
St Paul's Archcathedral is a contemporary brick structure in central Tirana defined by its triangular and circular forms. The building combines modern architectural language with its function as a Catholic place of worship.
Pope John Paul II laid the cornerstone in 1993 during a visit to Albania, marking the start of construction. The building was consecrated in 2002, establishing an important center for Catholic worship in the country.
The stained glass windows show Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, both figures with deep meaning in Albania. These images remind visitors of the spiritual connection between the Catholic Church and local heritage.
The cathedral stands on Boulevard Zhan D'Ark in central Tirana, so it is easily reached on foot from the city centre. The entrance holds a statue of Mother Teresa, and the stained glass left of the front door shows Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. The interior is plain, with a baptismal font and Paschal candle at the back.
The stained glass window left of the front door shows Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, who laid the cornerstone in 1993. A statue of Mother Teresa stands at the entrance, and a statue of the apostle Paul sits on top of the building. Pope Francis visited on 21 September 2014.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,631 contributors worldwide.
