Construction began on 7 April 1858, and the first phase was completed and consecrated in 1867. The cathedral was damaged by an earthquake in 1905 and again during the Siege of Scutari in 1912–13, when a fire broke out in the bell tower. Its darkest period came in 1967, when the communist regime banned religion: the church was closed, its towers were destroyed, and it was converted into a Palace of Sports. It reopened in 1990, and on 11 November that year it hosted the first Mass celebrated in Albania since 1967.
In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral, marking the revival of religious life in the country. Today it is once again an active church. Its large interior, measuring 74 metres long and 50 metres wide, was built to hold around 6,000 people and is full of quiet dignity, while the history recalled inside tells the story of persecution and survival.
Visitors are welcome outside services; please dress respectfully when visiting this important place of faith and memory.
