Overview:

St. Anthony Catholic Church, Durrës, Albania is an historic Catholic church located in the city of Durrës, Albania. The church was established in 1851 and was the first Catholic church to be built in Durrës. The church serves the local Albanian and international Catholic communities and is an important landmark in the city. The church is administered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Durrës and its priest is Rev. Father Ermal Chain. St. Anthony Catholic Church, Durrës is renowned for its vibrant liturgical celebrations and for its important role in the local community. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic-style design: The church is constructed in the Gothic-style of architecture, creating its distinct silhouetted profile against the skyline. 2. Two spires: The church is decorated by two impressive spires which reach up towards the sky, adding to its impressive profile and marking it as a religious building. 3. Large stained-glass windows: The front of the church has two large stained-glass windows which allow natural light to flow through the building and create a beautiful atmosphere. 4. Colored mosaic tiles: The exterior of the building is decorated with colorful mosaic tiles, giving the building a unique, eye-catching look. 5. Detailed engraving: Around the entrance and on the spires of the church, intricate engravings can be found. These engravings are based on religious motifs and further enhance the church’s aesthetic beauty. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

St. Anthony Catholic Church in Durrës, Albania is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the country. According to historical documents, the church was established in 1687 by a group of Italian Franciscan Capuchins. The first Parish Priest of St. Anthony church was Father Giacinto Bartalotti, OP, who arrived in Durrës in 1687 and immediately set about constructing the new church. He was joined a year later by Father Diego della Croce, OP, and a young apprentice known as Pepius Tomasi. In 1740, the church was expanded by Friar Marcello Macurano, OP. This expansion included the creation of a bell tower and a convent for the Franciscan friars. In 1764, the Franciscans left the church and were replaced by a group of Lazarists (Vincentians). Under their care, the church flourished and through their missionary efforts the number of Catholic inhabitants in the city grew significantly. In 1832, the church was extensively remodelled by Father Luigi Scarappelli, a parish priest from Faenza, who also made improvements to the baptistery, sanctuary, gates and roof. The parish was re-established in 1866 by Bishop Wenceslas Maillot, OFM, who was in charge of the diocese of Durrës. Father Celestino Massola, OP, a friar from Italy, was appointed as the parish priest in September 1866, and he then proceeded to transform the church into a basilica. During the Communist period (1945-1990), St. Anthony Church was closed and all Catholic churches in the city were confiscated by the state. It wasn’t until 1997 that the church was reopened to the public and once again became a place of worship. Today, St. Anthony Church continues to be a vibrant and active parish, and it is a testament to the resilience of the Catholic faith in Albania. The church serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a reminder of the rich Christian history of Durrës and its enduring Catholic tradition. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Durrës, Albania is more than 500 years old and is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. 2. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in Eastern Europe. 3. The Church was built in the 15th century and is part of the historic core of Durrës. 4. It has a large courtyard with a fountain and a well preserved the altar with gold, silver and marble decorations. 5. The church has suffered many disasters over the years including a great earthquake in 1815 which marked the end of the Church’s activities until 1930. 6. During the communist period churches were not allowed to hold religious services and St. Anthony was occupied and used by the military as cover. 7. The Church was fully renovated in 1996 and has since become a popular destination for tourists. 8. The Church also houses many important artifacts such as the 700 year old painting of the St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of Durrës. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era