Saint Francesco Church, Shkodër

Saint Francesco Church, located in Shkodër, was built in 1905. The initial construction efforts began in 1875 under the leadership of Father Tomë Markoc, with the consecration of the site in 1878 by Father Gjan Pjer Ferrari. In 1902, the Franciscan mission in Shkodër received authorization with a decree from the Sultan for the construction of the church. Friars Francis Melkiori and Lorenc Mitroviqi collected donations for the project.

The original designs for the church and accompanying assembly were drawn up by Friar Anselm, who died on March 25, 1891, but were later refined by French engineer Agustin Briott when construction resumed in 1902. The building was completed in 1905. In January 1947, the Albanian Secret Police (Security) hid weapons and ammunition in the church. When the Franciscan priests discovered this, they protested, leading to the arrest of several priests. The tower and the rear wing of the church were restored in 2007.