Last updated on December 20, 2023.

The city center of Tirana has some significant religious buildings belonging to both the Muslim and Christian faiths. Under communism, Albania was officially an atheist state, but religion played a major part in its fall. Almost 60% of Albanians practice Islam while about 17% are Christians. However, according to a 2008 poll, 68% of Albanians don’t consider religion to be a major factor in their life

 

Et’hem Bey Mosque

Perhaps the most important, impressive, and worthwhile religious site to visit in Tirana is the Et’hem Bey Mosque (Xhamia e Et’hem Beut) and the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit). Construction started in 1789 by Molla Bey and was finished by his son, Haxhi Ethem Bey, in 1823. The adjacent clock tower stands 35m tall and was built in 1822.

Xhamia e Et'hem Beut in Tiranë, Albania
Et’hem Bey Mosque

The mosque was closed during communist rule, but in 1991, 10,000 people attempted to attend prayers without the permission of authorities. The police did not interfere and this led to the fall of communism in Albania. Besides its symbolic historic role, the artwork and paintings on the mosque are just plain beautiful.

Xhamia e Et'hem Beut in Tiranë, Albania
Et’hem Bey Mosque
Xhamia e Et'hem Beut in Tiranë, Albania
Et’hem Bey Mosque
Kulla e Sahatit in Tiranë, Albania
Clock Tower

 

Tekke of Dervish Hatixhe

Another interesting site I visited was the Tekke of Dervish Hatixhe (Teqeja Dervish Hatixhe). It’s dedicated to a Bektashi saint who nursed Tirana through a cholera epidemic in the 18th century. She died in 1798 and the tekke was founded at her tomb.

Teqeja Dervish Hatixhe in Tiranë, Albania
Tekke of Dervish Hatixhe
Teqeja Dervish Hatixhe in Tiranë, Albania
Tekke of Dervish Hatixhe
Teqeja Dervish Hatixhe in Tiranë, Albania
Tomb of Dervish Hatixhe

 

Namzagâh Mosque

Near the parliament building, construction was underway on the Namazgâh Mosque (Xhamia e Namazgjasë), also known as the Grand Mosque of Tirana (Xhamia e Madhe e Tiranës). This huge mosque is financed by the Turkish government. When complete, it will be the largest mosque in the Balkans and the first central mosque for Tirana’s Muslims to pray in. It’s still under construction as of May 2023.

Xhamia e Namazgjasë construction site in Tiranë, Albania
Namazgâh Mosque construction site

 

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Along the Lanë River is St. Paul’s Cathedral (Katedralja e Shen Palit), a Catholic church built in 2002. It has a stained glass window of Mother Teresa and another of Pope John Paul II. There’s also a mosaic of Mother Teresa inside and a statue of her on the outside.

Katedralja e Shen Palit in Tiranë, Albania
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Katedralja e Shen Palit in Tiranë, Albania
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Katedralja e Shen Palit in Tiranë, Albania
Stained glass window of Mother Teresa at St. Paul’s Cathedral

 

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

Near Skënderbej Square (Sheshi Skënderbej) is the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. It opened in 2012 with a bell tower standing 46m tall, and functions as the main cathedral for the Albanian Orthodox Church. To me, it looks like something out of a Star Wars film. It’s probably one of the ugliest churches I have ever seen, but hey, I prefer tradition when it comes to Orthodox churches.

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tiranë, Albania
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tiranë, Albania
Bell tower of the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tiranë, Albania
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tiranë, Albania
Dome of the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

 

Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation

From Skënderbej Square, I wandered along Kavaja Street, one of the main streets in Tirana. I was able to visit two small churches that both have interesting histories. The Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation was built in 1964. It closed in 1967 and was used as the Tirana Sports Club until 1990, when it resumed church services.

Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation in Tiranë, Albania
Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation
Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation in Tiranë, Albania
Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation

 

Heart of Christ Catholic Church

Next, the Heart of Christ Catholic Church was built in 1865 as a gift from Emperor Franz Josef. It was closed in 1967 and turned into a cinema. It reopened as a church in 1990 and is the oldest surviving Catholic church in Tirana.

Heart of Christ Catholic Church in Tiranë, Albania
Heart of Christ Catholic Church
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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