Franciscan Church of Shkodër

Built in 1905, the Franciscan Church of Shkodër is located in the city of Shkodër in northern Albania.

Luigj iurçis, Franciscan Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shkodër–Pult, established the Assembly of Gjuhadol in 1861. Father Tom Markoci began construction on the existing structure in 1875, and Father Gjan Pjer Ferrari consecrated the grounds in 1878. A Sultan order granted the Franciscan mission in Shkodër permission to construct a church in 1902. Alms were gathered for building by Friars Françesk Melkiori and Lorenc Mitroviqi. Friar Anselm (who died on March 25, 1891) designed both the church and the assembly, but when work was resumed in 1902, French engineer Agustin Briott improved both. The construction of the structure began immediately and was finished in 1905. The Sigurimi (Albanian Secret Police) hid a stockpile of rifles and ammunition in the chapel in January 1947. A number of church priests were imprisoned after being found by Franciscan priests who were outraged. In 2007, the church’s tower and rear wing received renovation.