Overview:

Saint Paul's Cathedral is an Albanian Orthodox Christian cathedral in the center of Tirana, the capital of Albania. The cathedral was originally built as a Roman Catholic church in 1789, but was converted to an Orthodox Cathedral in 1920 when Albania became a predominantly Orthodox nation. The cathedral was destroyed by the Albanian communist regime in 1967, but was rebuilt in 2001, with the blessing of the Albanian Orthodox Church. The architecture of the cathedral reflects a mix of Byzantine, Baroque and Renaissance styles. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

-An imposing Neo-Byzantine style cathedral located in Skanderbeg Square, the main square in Tirana, Albania -Constructed between 1873-1884 -Designed by Florestano di Fausto and Armando Brasini -Features a floor plan shaped as a Greek Cross with four apses headed by a large cupola on a towering lead-covered dome -Exterior walls feature alternating bands of limestone and brick -The facade is made of limestone with ornamental elements involving floral and geometric motifs -On the eastern face is a large rose window -The interior is adorned with 12 stunning large paintings, painted in the Byzantine style -The eastern end of the Cathedral houses a fresco painting of the Entombment of Jesus Christ -Also contains many other works of art, including an ancient statue of St. Paul -The cathedral was declared a 'Monument of Culture' in 1948 by the Institute of Monuments of Culture in Tirana You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Cathedral of St. Paul in Tirana, Albania, is an Apostolic Roman Catholic church that was established in the early 1920s. At the time, Albania was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and the Church served the growing Catholic population in the country. The Church was designed by Italian architect Silvio D'Ascia, and construction began in 1923. The Church was consecrated in 1930, and it has since served the Albanian Catholic community. St. Paul's is one of the few places of Catholic worship in Tirana, and it has become a symbol of the country's national identity. The Church is also home to a sculpture of Pope John Paul II, which was unveiled in 2006 to commemorate his visit to Albania in 1993. St. Paul's Cathedral is a three-aisled basilica with three chapels and a crypt. Its facade is of white brick and marble, while the interior features an altar with depictions of the saints and apostles and several stained glass windows. The Church also serves as the home of the Catholic Archbishopric of Tirana-Durres, the largest in Albania. St. Paul's Cathedral stands as a testament to the resilience of the Catholic Church in Albania. Despite attempts by the Communist government to suppress religious practice, the Cathedral remains open and continues to serve the spiritual needs of the Catholic community. The Church is seen today as a reminder of the faith and courage of Albania's Catholic population and serves to unite individuals of all faiths in Albania. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Paul's Cathedral in Tirana is the largest Christian church in Albania and one of the most important religious sites in the country. 2. Construction of the cathedral began in 1626 and ended in 1780. 3. It was built in the Baroque architectural style and is a three-aisled basilica with a dome and four towers. 4. It was consecrated in 1796 to celebrate the end of Ottoman rule in Albania, making it a unique cathedral as it was built at a time when Albania was still under Ottoman rule. 5. The cathedral was damaged by bombing during World War II and was restored in 1962. 6. It is located next to the National Assembly building in the city centre and is a popular destination for tourists and worshippers. 7. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Tirana and all of Albania and is dedicated to Saint Paul, the patron saint of Tirana. 8. It is also known for its gold-plated door frames and the largest bell in the country, which weighs 2,750kg. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era