Mother Teresa – born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje in 1910 – is the city’s most famous daughter. The Mother Teresa Memorial House on Macedonia Street tells the story of her childhood here and her life’s work with the poor, and it is one of the most visited sights in the centre.
Mother Teresa Memorial House at a glance
| Location | Macedonia Street, just east of Macedonia Square (map) |
| Opened | 30 January 2009 |
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–14:00 (last entry 15 minutes before closing; check locally, as hours can change) |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
Why the memorial house is here
The building stands on the site of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church, where the young Gonxhe was baptised. That church was destroyed in the 1963 earthquake. The memorial house, designed by architect Vangel Božinovski, opened in 2009 as a tribute to her – and a relic of Mother Teresa brought from the Vatican makes it a place of pilgrimage as well as a museum. Pope Francis visited during his trip to North Macedonia in 2019.
What you will see inside
The museum displays personal items, photographs and documents from Mother Teresa’s life, from her family in Skopje to her decision to become a nun at 18 and her decades in Kolkata with the Missionaries of Charity, the order she founded. Multimedia displays explain her humanitarian work and her Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Upstairs there is a quiet chapel open to visitors.
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Mother Teresa’s Skopje
Gonxhe grew up in Skopje when it was part of the Ottoman Empire, in a family of Albanian origin. She left the city in 1928 to join the Sisters of Loreto. A statue of her stands next to the memorial house.
Visiting tips
- Combine your visit with a walk along Macedonia Street to Macedonia Square and the Stone Bridge.
- Dress respectfully if you visit the chapel.
- Weekend opening hours are shorter – go on a weekday afternoon if you can.
- See more of the city’s culture in our guide to the best museums in Skopje.
Where to Stay Near the Mother Teresa Memorial House
For the Mother Teresa Memorial House, the best base is the city centre: most sights, restaurants and bus stops are within walking distance, and you won’t need a taxi in the evening.
- Skopje Marriott Hotel – right on Macedonia Square, the most central upscale choice.
- Hotel Senigallia – rooms on a rebuilt sailing ship moored on the Vardar, in the middle of the city.
- Solun Hotel & Spa – a central hotel with a spa, a short walk from the main square.
Browse all hotels in Skopje city centre, compare neighbourhoods in our Where to Stay in Skopje guide, or see our pick of the best hotels in Skopje.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was Mother Teresa born in Skopje?
Yes. She was born in Skopje on 26 August 1910 as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu and lived here until 1928.
Where is the Mother Teresa Memorial House?
On Macedonia Street in the city centre, a few minutes’ walk from Macedonia Square.
How long does a visit take?
Around 30–45 minutes.
Our private tour
Private Matka Canyon Tour from Skopje
Hotel pickup anywhere in Skopje, a private air-conditioned car and a friendly English-speaking local driver. Boat ride to Vrelo Cave, hiking or a lakeside coffee – at your own pace. From €60 per car (1–4 guests).
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