Shen Teodori Church

The beautiful village of Delbnishti is an important center of the Catholic faith in Albania, with Catholic Christian residents who have preserved their traditions and rich history. The Church of Shen Teodor is one of the treasures of this village, which has a rich history and has played an important role in the religious life of the community.

The church is a vestige of Catholic Church architecture, standing out for its beauty and historical importance. Known as the residential seat of the Archdiocese of Durrës from 1859 to 1937, this church has helped spread religion and preserve cultural heritage. The three-story archbishop's palace, built in 1895, is a testament to the architectural achievements of its time, however, unfortunately, it was set on fire by Haxhi Qamili on September 2, 1914.

A large number of priests served and lived in this village, who made an outstanding contribution to the religious and cultural service. Among them, Monsignor Prend Bjanku (Kameri), who was born in this village and served as an important religious leader, is mentioned. His contribution to the preservation and spread of the Albanian Catholic faith has left its mark on the history of this country.

With all these cultural and historical assets, Delbnishti has been an important center of religious life in Albania. However, during the period of the communist regime, religious belief was banned by law, and the Church of Shen Teodor in Delbnisht was the last to be closed in Albania. This has been a difficult period for the community, but their cultural heritage and their faith have continued to live on, and the village continues to remain a special place rich in history and culture.