Overview:

Saint Stephen Church is a Serbian Orthodox church located in the city of Shkodër in Albania. Located at the top of a hill, it is dedicated to St Stephen, the patron saint of the city. It was built in 1418 and was the primary church of the local Serbs. The building was damaged in 1879 during Ottoman rule but was rebuilt in 1910. The church was closed in 1967 during the communist rule but reopened in 1991 with the fall of communism. The church is now a popular tourist destination in the city. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Baroque architectural style: The Church of Saint Stephen in Shkodër is an example of Baroque architecture, characterized by grand and ornate detailing such as decorative sculptures, columnar porticos, and roof pediments. 2. Colorful interior: The interior of the church is lavishly decorated with colorful frescoes, detailed ornamental stonework, and intricate carved marble. 3. Gold leaf details: The ornate details of the church are beautifully highlighted by the gold leaf detailing of the sculpted figures, pillars, window frames, and other features. 4. More than one bell tower: The church is crowned by not one, but two bell towers, completing the grandeur of its appearance. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Saint Stephen Church in Shkodër, Albania is a post-Byzantine church built in 1773-1792. It was constructed in order to replace an older wooden church that was situated at the same site. The church is dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The original building was constructed in the shape of a Greek cross, and while some parts of it were destroyed during a fire in 1852, the walls and roof survived. The current church building is constructed of stone blocks, with a dome and two semi-circular apses. It is covered with a layer of white stucco, and has a bell tower on the west side. The interior of the church is decorated with frescos dating from the 19th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the church was refurbished and several wooden furnishings, sculptures and frescos were added. In the 1930s, the church was further renovated and a Catholic school was built adjacent to the church. Today, the church is a popular place of worship for the region’s Catholic community and for visitors from around the world. It is visited by tourists and pilgrims who are drawn to its unique architecture, frescos and history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Stephen Church, Shkodër was built in the 19th century by the Franciscan Friars. 2. The church is said to have been built over the ruins of an old Orthodox church which had been destroyed in the war between Albanian and Ottoman forces. 3. The church is famous for its elaborate frescoes and richly-decorated interior. 4. It is one of the few churches in Albania to have survived the communism era. 5. The building was damaged in World War I but was restored between 1924 and 1928. 6. The church has a crypt which contains the remains of 24 Franciscan Friars who died between 1764 and 1872. 7. On the exterior of the church, there is a small, red-tiled pyramid which was placed there in honor of a local hero who died in the war of independence. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era