Catholic Church of St. Catherine

The Catholic Church of St. Catherine was built in 1928, replacing an earlier structure from 1722 that had served the Albanian Catholic community of Peja for over two centuries. The site’s religious significance dates back even further, with ties to the 1703 Arbër Council led by Pope Clement XI, which sought to strengthen Catholic identity in the region.

Architecturally, the church features a simple rectangular plan with a bell tower and modest ornamentation. Its interior includes traditional Catholic iconography, wooden pews, and a central altar dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The church has undergone several restorations, particularly after periods of conflict and neglect.

Despite Kosovo’s Catholic population being a minority estimated at around 246,000 nationwide, the church remains active and well-attended, especially during major religious holidays. It also plays a role in interfaith dialogue and community outreach, reflecting Peja’s layered religious landscape.

The church’s location near Rugova Gorge and other cultural landmarks makes it a meaningful stop for visitors interested in Kosovo’s religious diversity and historical continuity.