Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (Prizren) explained

Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor
Other Name:Precinct of the Lady Helper
Native Name:Katedralja e Zojës Ndihmëtare
Country:Kosovo
Denomination:Catholic
Consecrated Date:1870
Heritage Designation:Cultural Monument
Diocese:Roman Catholic Diocese of Prizren-Pristina

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (Albanian: Katedralja Katolike e Zojës Ndihmëtare, Serbian: Католичка катедрала Госпе Помоћнице) also known as Precinct of the Lady Helper Church and Con-cathedral of the Lady Helper is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prizren, Kosovo. The Cathedral was commissioned by Italian Dario Bucciarelli, Archbishop of Skopje, in 1870. It is one of the two cathedrals of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prizren-Pristina, a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory in Kosovo.

History

The Cathedral was commissioned by Italian Dario Bucciarelli, Archbishop of Skopje, in 1870. During that time, it was financed by citizens of Dubrovnik.[1] However, the site was likely a graveyard church dating back to the 5th century, uncovered during excavations carried out between 2019 and 2021. These excavations also revealed the presence of the walls of a 12th-century church in the foundations of the current building.

The cathedral was not dedicated until October 31, 1970, one hundred years after its construction.[2]

Architecture

The cathedral is built on a basilic plan with three naves, in a neoclassical style. The primary construction material is brick, with decorative stone bands on the facade. Vertical columns, stairs and the balcony are made of wood. The primary interior material is marble, since a restoration in 1970.

References

42.2068°N 20.7374°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Minci . Noble . June 12, 2022 . Les pierres de la cathédrale de Prizren parlent d'une église du Ve siècle . The stones of the Prizren Cathedral speak of a 5th century church . KOHA . FR.
  2. Web site: Katedralja e Zojës Ndihmëtare .