Franciscan Church of Shkodër, Catholic church building in Shkodër, Albania.
The Franciscan Church of Shkodër is a church building with a tall tower and traditional religious architecture near the center of Shkodër, the largest city in northwestern Albania. The structure features classical religious design elements including stone facades and decorative details typical of its era.
Construction of the church began in 1902 following a Sultan decree, with French engineer Agustin Briott completing the architectural plans by 1905. The project was part of a period of religious building activity in the region after earlier phases of restricted development.
The building shows the lasting Catholic presence in Shkodër, where multiple faith communities keep their traditions alive through the years. The church remains a place where believers gather to pray and celebrate religious holidays.
The church welcomes visitors during regular hours and most religious ceremonies happen at set times, so checking exact times in advance makes sense. The building is within walking distance of the city center and sits in an easily accessible area of town.
In the 1940s the building witnessed political tensions when authorities used it for purposes that went against Franciscan beliefs. Several clergy members were arrested as a result, highlighting the difficult transition the city faced during that period.
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