Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Tirana's oldest Catholic church, a neo-Romanesque gem with stunning paintings and a rich history, including hosting Mother Teresa's funeral mass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, English readings
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, English readings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tirana's oldest Catholic church, a neo-Romanesque gem with stunning paintings and a rich history, including hosting Mother Teresa's funeral mass.
"A simple but meaningful visit to a place with deep history and significance."
🕊️ Dress Modestly
Maintain reverence; dress respectfully when visiting this sacred space. Avoid revealing clothing.
🎶 Piano Music Magic
Catch the priest playing the piano during services for a truly magical and unique experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neo-Romanesque Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the elegant neo-Romanesque design of Tirana's oldest Catholic church, built in 1939.

Breathtaking Paintings
Interior
Be captivated by the stunning and vibrant paintings adorning the church's interior.

Historical Significance
Throughout the church
Experience a place that hosted Mother Teresa's funeral mass and survived communist-era closure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Mass Times & Services
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Attending mass at Sacred Heart as a visitor?
🕊️ Dress Modestly
Maintain reverence; dress respectfully when visiting this sacred space. Avoid revealing clothing.
🎶 Piano Music Magic
Catch the priest playing the piano during services for a truly magical and unique experience.
📖 Multilingual Readings
Grab a sheet with readings in Albanian, Italian, or English for better understanding during mass.
🕯️ Light a Candle
A simple yet meaningful act to make a quiet wish or offer a prayer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕊️ Dress Modestly
Maintain reverence; dress respectfully when visiting this sacred space. Avoid revealing clothing.
🎶 Piano Music Magic
Catch the priest playing the piano during services for a truly magical and unique experience.
📖 Multilingual Readings
Grab a sheet with readings in Albanian, Italian, or English for better understanding during mass.
🕯️ Light a Candle
A simple yet meaningful act to make a quiet wish or offer a prayer.
⏰ Check Mass Times
Verify current mass schedules, especially for Sunday services, as they can vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sacred Heart Catholic Church for its historical significance as Tirana's oldest Catholic church and its beautiful neo-Romanesque architecture. The stunning interior paintings and the unique experience of the priest playing the piano during services are frequently highlighted. While generally welcoming, some visitors note that the church can be closed for renovations or events, and adherence to dress code and respectful behavior is expected.
"I visited the Sacred Heart Church (Kisha e Zemrës së Shenjtë të Krishtit) in Tirana—built in 1939 in neo-Romanesque style, and known as the city’s oldest Catholic church.
It was closed and turned into a cinema during the communist era, then reopened in 1990. It even hosted Mother Teresa’s funeral mass in 1997. I lit a candle and made a quiet wish. A simple but meaningful visit to a place with deep history and significance.
Eventhough I feel more peaceful in Ortodox Churches, I like this church and enjoyed visiting!"
mahmut ışıldak
"I come to this church often, and it’s always a treat to hear the priest playing the piano—it adds such a magical touch! I also love how lively it gets during mass, with the church full of people. The breathtaking paintings are truly the highlight and make the experience even more special."
Napoleon
"Was under renovation on one day I tried to visit. When I returned the church was empty and was unable to receive Ash Wednesday ashes."
Yee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is centrally located in Tirana, making it accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride from most areas. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other city landmarks.
Parking can be challenging in central Tirana. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi. If driving, look for paid parking lots in the vicinity.
While the main entrance is generally accessible, it's recommended to contact the church directly for specific information regarding wheelchair access to all areas, especially during services.
The church is situated on Rruga Kavaje, a main street. You can easily spot it. Walking is a great way to explore the surrounding area before or after your visit.
Yes, the church is in a central location, close to other Tirana landmarks like the National History Museum and Skanderbeg Square, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Entry is free for prayer and sightseeing.
The church is typically open from 08:00 to 20:00 on Mondays and Sundays. Weekday hours may vary, with services held in the morning and evening.
Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to attend mass. You can simply walk in and find a seat, though it's good to be aware of the schedule.
Yes, visitors are asked to observe reverence and dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing to show respect for the sacred space.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services, to not disturb worshippers.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is described as holy, sacred, and peaceful, with beautiful paintings and often the sound of the priest playing the piano, creating a magical touch.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, the church's history and significance can be appreciated through its architecture and the provided reading materials.
It is Tirana's oldest Catholic church, built in 1939, and holds deep historical significance, including hosting Mother Teresa's funeral mass. It was reopened in 1990 after being closed during the communist era.
Yes, visitors can light a candle to make a wish or offer a prayer, adding a personal touch to their visit.
Services are primarily held in Albanian. There is also a Mass in Italian on Sundays at 19:00. Printed translations of readings are available in English.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within the church itself. It is a place of worship and prayer.
Being in a central location, numerous restaurants, cafes, and bakeries are within walking distance of the church, offering a variety of Albanian and international cuisine.
Yes, Tirana offers many affordable eateries. Look for local 'byrek' shops or small cafes for budget-friendly meals and snacks.
It is generally not recommended to bring food or drinks into a place of worship. It's best to consume them outside the church premises.
Tirana's cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, featuring fresh ingredients, grilled meats, vegetables, and delicious pastries like byrek.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but visitors are asked to be respectful and discreet, especially during services. Avoid using flash.
The altar area with its paintings, the stained-glass windows, and the overall architectural details offer excellent photographic opportunities.
The main restriction is to avoid disturbing worshippers. If a service is in progress, it's best to refrain from taking photos or do so very discreetly.
Yes, the exterior is beautiful and can be photographed freely. It's a good subject, especially with the city backdrop.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode would be ideal, given the interior lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Following the fall of communism, the church was reopened in 1990, marking a significant moment for the Catholic community in Tirana. Its historical importance was further cemented when it had the profound honor of hosting Mother Teresa’s funeral mass in 1997. This event underscores the church's role not just as a place of worship but as a site of national and international significance. Visitors often feel a sense of peace and connection to the past when stepping inside, appreciating its survival and continued spiritual function.
Experiencing Mass and Spirituality
Beyond the formal liturgy, many visitors are drawn to the lively atmosphere during mass, with the church often filled with people. A unique and often mentioned highlight is the priest playing the piano, which adds a magical and unexpected dimension to the service. The breathtaking paintings adorning the church's interior also contribute significantly to the spiritual ambiance, making the experience visually and emotionally resonant. Visitors are encouraged to observe reverence, dress modestly, and maintain a quiet demeanor to fully appreciate the sacred nature of the space.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit