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Great Mosque of Durrës

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Great Mosque of Durrës, often referred to as the New Mosque, is a prominent landmark located in the main square of Albania's primary port city. It was built in 1931 under the patronage of King Zog I, replacing an older Ottoman-era structure that had been destroyed in an earthquake. The architecture blends traditional Islamic elements with Italian-influenced neoclassical styles, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Durrës during the early 20th century. Like many other religious buildings in Albania, it was closed and stripped of its religious function during the state's 1967 atheist campaign, later being used as a youth cultural center. Following the fall of communism, the mosque was extensively renovated and reopened for worship in 1993 with international support. Its large yellow dome and slender minaret are visible from various parts of the city center. Today, it serves as the main spiritual center for the local Muslim community and a symbol of religious revival in post-communist Albania.

Location: Albania
Top sights: View of the amphitheater · Alte Stadtmauer · Turm der historischen Stadtmauer
Nearby: Rinia (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	10	12	15	19	23	26	26	23	19	15	11
Rain mm	118	106	97	77	66	47	27	28	88	110	138	136

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Great Mosque of Durrës is an active place of worship and can be visited by tourists at certain times. The interior is usually accessible to non-Muslims outside of prayer times.

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Typical hours

The mosque is typically open from morning until the evening prayer, with breaks during the five daily prayers. On Fridays, tourist access is often only possible after the noon prayer.

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Photography

Photography inside is usually allowed, but without flash to respect the atmosphere. Photographing people at prayer should be avoided out of respect.

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Time needed

A visit to the mosque typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to study the architecture and interior decoration in detail, allow a little more time.

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Combine with

The mosque is located on Durrës' central square, near the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Towers. A walk along the seaside promenade is also recommended.

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Getting there

The mosque is located in the center of Durrës and is easily reached on foot from the port or the main boulevard. Buses and taxis stop in the immediate vicinity of the square.

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Insider tip

Visit the mosque in the late morning when the light streams through the windows and creates a special atmosphere. Remember to remove your shoes before entering and wear appropriate clothing.

Geography

Coordinates

41.31280, 19.44490

Facts

Year of completion: 1931.
Patron: Built during the reign of King Zog I.
Communist period: Closed in 1967 and used as a cultural youth center.
Reopening year: 1993, following the restoration of religious freedom.
Architectural features: Notable for its neoclassical-Islamic fusion design.
City role: The principal mosque and a key landmark of Durrës.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Amphitheatre of Durrës<1 km · SExplore →

Durrës2 km · NEExplore →

Arapaj4 km · SEExplore →

Rinia9 km · NExplore →

Katund i Ri10 km · NEExplore →

Shijak11 km · EExplore →

Sukth11 km · NEExplore →

Golem13 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Great Mosque of Durrës (10)

View of the amphitheater

View from above of the Roman amphitheater, the arena and seating rows are clearly visible.

Alte Stadtmauer

Remains of the ancient city wall that once surrounded the settlement, now partially excavated.

Turm der historischen Stadtmauer

Preserved tower of the historic city wall, a testament to defensive architecture.

Xhamia e Madhe e Durrësit

Great Mosque in Durrës, a significant religious building in the city.

Roman Amphitheatre of Durrës

Roman amphitheater in Durrës, one of the largest in the Balkans, well preserved.

Stadtmauer

Remnants of the city wall from various periods, which surrounded the old town.

Ancient Well

Ancient well from antiquity, evidence of early water supply.

Wall of turk period 1502

Wall from the Ottoman period, built in 1502, part of the city fortifications.

Catholic Church of Saint Lucia

Catholic church in Durrës, dedicated to Saint Lucy, a place of worship.

Pallati i Kulturë "Aleksandër Moisiu"

Palace of Culture in Durrës, named after actor Aleksandër Moisiu, venue for theatre.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the Great Mosque built?

It was built in 1931 on the site of an older Ottoman mosque.

What happened to the mosque in 1967?

The minaret was demolished and it was used as a cultural center.

When was it reopened?

After extensive renovations, it was reopened in 1993.

Where is it located?

On the central Freedom Square (Sheshi Liria) in Durrës.

Can tourists enter the mosque?

Yes, outside prayer times and with appropriate clothing.

Great Mosque of Durrës: where is it located?

Great Mosque of Durrës is located in Albania.

Great Mosque of Durrës: what is there to see?

Highlights include View of the amphitheater, Alte Stadtmauer, Turm der historischen Stadtmauer.

Great Mosque of Durrës: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Great Mosque of Durrës: why is it worth visiting?

The Great Mosque of Durrës, often referred to as the New Mosque, is a prominent landmark located in the main square of Albania's primary port city.

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