Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Shkodër, Albania
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel, called Bazilika e Zojës së Këshillit të Mirë in Albanian, stands as an important Roman Catholic shrine in Shkoder, Albania. It honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel, who serves as the Patroness of Albania. Because of its importance, many pilgrims and faithful visit the basilica each year.
Construction started in 1917 at the foot of Rozafa Castle. At that time, Albania was under Austro-Hungarian occupation during World War I. Despite the war, local Catholics strongly supported building the church. The basilica became central to their spiritual life for many years.
However, during the Albanian Cultural Revolution, the government destroyed the basilica to suppress religious worship. This deeply saddened the Catholic community, but they never lost hope. After communism fell, the faithful worked hard to rebuild the church. Their efforts restored the basilica and symbolized their strong faith and resilience.
In addition, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine on April 25, 1993. His visit gave great encouragement to Albanian Catholics. Later, Pope Francis issued a Pontifical decree on April 22, 2024. This decree raised the shrine’s status to that of a Minor Basilica. This recognition highlights its spiritual importance and role in Albania’s religious heritage.
Therefore, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel remains a vital place for prayer and pilgrimage. It stands as a symbol of faith, perseverance, and devotion among Albanian Catholics. Many continue to visit, drawn by its rich history and spiritual power.
Connectivity of Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Shkodër, Albania
Airways
The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza), located about 95 kilometers from Shkodër. It offers flights to many European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Shkodër and then the basilica.
Railways
Shkodër has its own railway station, which connects to other Albanian cities, including Tirana and Durrës. The basilica is easily accessible from the station by taxi or local transport.
Roadways
Shkodër is connected by highways and regional roads to the rest of Albania. Regular buses and minibuses run between Shkodër and other towns. From the city center, you can reach the basilica by local bus or taxi.
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