Adventures in Preservation in Albania
- Albania
About Program
Albania, tightly closed to the outside world until the 1990s, has opened its doors and is racing to catch up. The energy level is high and AiP is helping one community direct some of that energy toward saving its amazing architectural heritage and building their economy through heritage tourism.
Gjirokastra, which grew up around a 13th century citadel, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ottoman rulers arrived in 1385 and for over 500 years directed the building of large stone tower houses up steep hillsides overlooking the Drinos river. Following the Ottomans' departure in 1912, these massive houses were no longer maintained, and several hundred descending into ruin by 2012. Over 400 of these fascinating structures still stand in various stages of deterioration, and AiP volunteers are helping the community take action. This project is on hold until funding can be found to continue this important work.