Sights · 37 of the best in Tirana
Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection
A modern cathedral
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Radosław Botev · CC0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection
The Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral opened on 24 June 2012, marking twenty years since the revival of the Albanian Orthodox Church. It is among the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans, with a dome rising 32 metres and a separate 46-metre bell tower, gilded icons and mosaics; the complex also holds chapels, a library, a cultural centre and a small museum. It stands close to the main boulevard and the House of Leaves. Visitors are welcome; dress modestly.
A cathedral for a reborn church
Under communism, Albania was declared an atheist state and the Orthodox Church, like every faith, was suppressed. After 1991 it was rebuilt under Archbishop Anastasios. On 24 June 2012, twenty years after the revival of the Albanian Orthodox Church and the archbishop’s election, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral was officially opened near the main boulevard.
The building
It is among the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans. The dome rises 32 metres above the ground, and a separate bell tower reaches 46 metres. Inside, gilded icons, mosaics and a richly carved iconostasis fill the space with colour and light. The complex also holds the chapel of the Nativity and other chapels, the residence of the Holy Synod, a cultural centre, a library and a small museum.
Built twenty years after religion was legal again, it is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans.
Visiting
Visitors are welcome outside services; the liturgy on Sunday morning, with its chanting, is a moving experience. Dress modestly.
Our advice: visit the cathedral on the same walk as the House of Leaves, a few minutes away, and step inside for a few quiet minutes after the museum.
Why it's on our list
- Consecrated 2012
- Mosaics and icons
- Bell tower
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection before you go.
Plan your visit
- Where Near the main boulevard, by the House of Leaves
- Opened 24 June 2012
- Dress Shoulders and knees covered
- Sunday Morning liturgy with chanting
What’s nearby
Distances from Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Rruga Dëshmorët e 4 Shkurtit250 m3 min walk
- Taxi rank, Rruga Çamëria250 m3 min walk
Key sights
- House of Leaves200 mWalk 2 minCycle 1 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Skanderbeg Square400 mWalk 5 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Bunk’Art 2450 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Et’hem Bey Mosque500 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- National Historical Museum500 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 4 min
- Clock Tower of Tirana500 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- The Pyramid of Tirana650 mWalk 8 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Tirana Castle700 mWalk 9 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Postbllok – Checkpoint700 mWalk 9 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 5 min
- New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri)1.0 kmWalk 13 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
Getting around
- Tirana International Airport (TIA)13 kmCar or taxi 41 min