ET’HEM BEY MOSQUE
-
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Free
SHARE TO
Et’hem Bey Mosque is one of the most important historical and religious monuments in Tirana, located in Skanderbeg Square, in the heart of the city. Built at the end of the 18th century and completed at the beginning of the 19th century, it represents one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Albania. Its construction was started by Molla Bey and completed by his son, Et’hem Bey, after whom it is named.
The mosque is distinguished by its unique frescoes, which adorn the walls and portico with landscape paintings—an uncommon feature in Islamic art of that era. Inside, visitors can admire delicate decorative details, arabesques, and a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Its elegant minaret and courtyard, shaded by old trees, make this place an oasis of peace amid the urban bustle.
During the communist period, the mosque was closed for decades, but in 1991 it was reopened without official permission by worshippers—an event that also marked the religious revival in Albania. Today, it is open to both local and international visitors who come to explore the history, architecture, and spiritual heritage of the city.