Lead Mosque, Shkodër Mosque

The Lead Mosque (Xhamia e Plumbit) is an 18th-century Ottoman-era mosque in the historic centre of Shkodër, Albania, named for its original lead-covered roof. It is one of the city’s notable examples of Ottoman religious architecture.

The mosque presents traditional Ottoman architectural features such as a single prayer hall and dome forms and is set within the dense street pattern of Shkodër’s old town. It remains a visible element of the city’s historic religious landscape.

Built during the Ottoman period in the 18th century by a local patron, the mosque served the city’s Muslim community and acquired its common name from the lead covering used on its roof. It has undergone repair and conservation at various times in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The mosque stands in the central, historic part of Shkodër within walking distance of the city’s main streets and marketplaces.

• Name origin: Takes its informal name from the lead sheets that once covered its roof, a feature that gave the building its local identifier.
• Architectural context: An example of 18th-century Ottoman-era mosque architecture in Shkodër’s historic centre, located among the city’s older streets and civic buildings.

The Lead Mosque (Xhamia e Plumbit) sits in the old town of Shkodër. By road from Tirana follow the SH1/A1 north for roughly 95-110 km (about 1.5-2 hours by car); regular intercity buses also run between Tirana and Shkodër. Once in Shkodër, the mosque is in the city centre/old bazaar area and is an easy 5-10 minute walk (a few hundred metres) from the main bus station or central square.

• Visit the Lead Mosque outside major Muslim prayer times (avoid Friday midday) so you can view the interior without interrupting worship and with less crowding.
• Dress respectfully and follow local custom inside the mosque (remove shoes and, if asked, cover up); when in doubt, ask a caretaker before photographing the interior.
• Combine a short stop at the mosque with a walking circuit of Shkodër's historic centre and riverside - the site is centrally located and pairs easily with nearby cultural sights.