Backed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, the Municipality of Himara, and the Porto Palermo Festival, this event transformed Porto Palermo Castle into a dynamic hub for international cooperation, dialogue and innovation. academics, artists, innovators, heads of institutions and decision-makers from different countries in the region and beyond.

Virtuoso violinist Olen Cesari elevated the cultural exchange with a stunning blend of classical and contemporary music. /j.p/p.s./

According to an onsite sign, Petralba was a main stronghold of the Kastriot family. Historian Marin Barleti and local tradition suggest that Gjon Kastrioti’s family lived here, making it the suspected birthplace of Skanderbeg.

The area is part of the “100 Villages” project and a good choice for history and nature lovers.

Before the final climb towards the castle, we surprisingly find ourselves in front of a large, new building on the side of the road.

The Historical and Cultural Museum of Klos is located there, inaugurated but closed to visitors. Maybe because it is summer, maybe because the area does not yet receive enough visitors, but from the outside we see that the museum is well-organized and modern.

As we learn from the table, the project was implemented through the European Union’s Cross-Border Cooperation Albania-North Macedonia program, in partnership between the municipality of Klos and several organizations.

From official sources we learn that the museum preserves and promotes the rich heritage of the region, which includes important ethnographic elements (traditional Mat clothing, tools, objects of daily life) as well as historical evidence of the area, including the strong connection with the Kastriots and the early history of gunpowder production in Klos.

The return route from the castle is also open and leads to the canyon of the Mat River. The further you go down, the more you feel the freshness of the valley surrounded by greenery.

At one point opposite, the large Vasha Bridge appears, part of the Arbit Road at the height of the slopes, while below is the old, historic Vasha Bridge above the Mat.

There are only a few kilometers of trail that bring you to a unique landscape between the two bridges.

Vasha Bridge, a centuries-old stone bridge, declared a First Category Cultural Monument, is located at the exit of a narrow canyon over the Mat River. The bridge has served as a historical and natural connecting bridge between Klos and the tourist village of Guri i Bardhë.

Local shops have changed the river area by the bridge into a nice place to rest, eat, and drink outdoors.

The river has enough water for swimming and diving, while children are the ones who enjoy it the most. The water is clear and reflects the greenery of the slopes, while on the bridge you can see the canyon between the mountains far away.

Enjoy a fresh Sunday escape near the capital. A newly paved access road now leads you down to one trail connecting two unmissable destinations./p.s./

Between January 1 and May 31, Rozafa Castle welcomed 62,748 visitors, according to statistics released by Shkodra Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage.

As the cultural capital of northern Albania, Shkodra blends dramatic mountain backdrops with the tranquil shores of Lake Shkodra. Famous for its ancient heritage, it’s the ultimate launchpad for exploring the Albanian Alps—and the perfect place to savor local delicacies like the renowned regional carp.

Shkodra offers a rich tapestry of experiences, anchored by iconic cultural landmarks like the legendary Rozafa Castle, the Marubi National Photography Museum, and the historic Ura e Mesit. Beyond the city, nature takes center stage. The mountainous landscapes of Shiroka, Vermoshi, Razma, and Thethi are easily accessible and provide the perfect backdrop for alpine hiking, traditional guesthouses and authentic local immersion/j.p/p.s./

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, shared images of the castle teeming with tourists, highlighting the growing interest in cultural tourism in Albania’s south.

“A picture that speaks more than words. Gjirokastër Castle welcomes visitors from around the world every day, amid history, architecture and unique landscapes,” Gonxhja said, noting that the summer season is just beginning.

Visitors from across Europe and beyond are drawn to the UNESCO-protected city of Gjirokastër to explore its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views over the Drino valley.

Darsi Dhuka, director of Gjirokastër’s Cultural Heritage Directorate, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that from January through early May, roughly 48,000 tourists visited the castle, with nearly 70% being foreign visitors.

“The high number of visitors in the first 12 days of May indicates that the summer season has just started and tourist arrivals are expected to increase significantly in the coming months,” Dhuka said.

Foreign tourists show particular interest in the castle’s monumental architecture, the Weapons Museum housed within the site, and the city’s panoramic vistas. In April alone, 72% of visitors were from over 40 countries worldwide, while 28% were domestic tourists.

“These figures reflect growing international interest in Gjirokastër’s history and culture, as well as increasing engagement from domestic visitors in exploring and appreciating our national heritage,” Gonxhja said.

Interest in visiting Gjirokastër continues to rise year on year, establishing the city as one of Albania’s key cultural tourism destinations. Last year, the castle welcomed 307,000 visitors.

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Attending the presentation event was Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja, Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja, as well as representatives of the Albanian-American Development Foundation.

The project was presented by architect Emre Arolat, in collaboration with MVM Architecture.

While sharing moments from the activity, Minister Gonxhja emphasized that this project aims to restore the historical identity and archaeological values ​​of the castle, as well as its integration into the daily life of the city.

He announced that the project foresees integrated interventions for the improvement of public spaces and development of tourist potential.

Subsequent to this presentation, the project will undergo final institutional procedures and stakeholder reconciliation, culminating in formal approval.

Funded by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), this project leverages the expertise of renowned international and local architects.

Elbasan Castle is a Category I Cultural Monument. Archaeological studies have revealed its construction techniques and history. The castle represents a classical castrum, which adheres to the rules of Roman construction.

Inside the Elbasan Fortress, charming, protected houses line the streets, making it a bustling, must-see cultural site for visitors exploring the city.

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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja inspected restoration efforts, reinforcing the site’s preservation and ensuring its long-term protection.

“We are dealing with an object that is related to history, findings, perimeter walls from 2500 years ago,” said the minister while inspecting the Borsh Castle, where during different periods there have been interventions that have also damaged the castle.

The intervention is challenging, requiring comprehensive structural stabilization, including anchoring the castle road and reinforcing the mosque’s rock base.

Co-funded by the World Bank and the Albanian Development Fund, and in collaboration with the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, these works are designed by CHwB Albania and monitored by Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Vlorë. There is work underway with the Municipality of Himara to implement integrated management, focusing on sustainable transportation, neighborhood upgrades below the castle and overall tourism promotion. /j.p/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media a view of this castle, which after the restoration has been transformed, attracting many visitors.

This castle was reopened on August 29 of the current year after the restoration carried out as a result of the damage caused by the 2019 earthquake thanks to the support of the European Union and the EU4Culture program, implemented by UNOPS.

Bashtova is a medieval castle located in the fertile plain near the mouth of the Shkumbin River, facing the Adriatic Sea in central Albania.

Bashtova Castle was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 due to its unique location and historical significance.

Many cities and tourist spots in the country have been decorated with red and black colors these days, in context of the 113th anniversary of Independence and the 81st anniversary of Liberation. /r.e/p.s./

Thanks to the historical and architectural values ​​that the castle holds, the local and foreign visitors consider it the most favorite monument to be on the list of places to see.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro shared a video in the social media showing the interest of the tourists in visiting this castle.

“This is a queue of people…. I would call this a nice queue, at the entrance to the most beautiful castle in the world, the Argjiro Castle”, said Kumbaro.

Local and foreign visitors walking on the centuries-old stones, tourist groups visiting and leading towards history, cameras capturing memories, this is the view that the thousand-year-old city offers.

The panorama from Gjirokastra Castle is a view that arouses curiosity in visitors, interested in the history and culture that this city carries.

Gjirokastra, or as it is otherwise known, the “stone city”, is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Albania. With its multiple values, this museum-city was accepted among the first cities in the UNESCO. The main symbol of the city is the Castle. It is located on a hill slightly detached from Mount i Gjerë, raised at an observation point about 370 m above sea level. /m.m/p.s./

Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja invited today the cultural heritage enthusiasts to join an event open to the public, which will materialize history through the restored walls of the castle, a new visitor center, and a multimedia experience that connects the past with the present.

The inauguration event is set for 29 August.

“This is not just a celebration, it is the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most special cultural heritage monuments in Albania”, stressed Minister Gonxhja.

Bashtova Castle is a medieval quadrangular castle located in the fertile plain near the mouth of the Shkumbin River, facing the Adriatic Sea in central Albania, approximately 2km from the village of Vilë Ballaj.

In the Middle Ages, this area was an important port for the grain trade and part of the historic Via Egnatia road, which connected the coast with the interior of the Balkan Peninsula.

In 2017, Bashtova Castle was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, due to its unique location and historical significance. /a.gj/ /a.g/p.s./

Vlora Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage published in the social media interviews with numerous tourists who have chosen to visit this area of Albania. They express their amazement at the panorama offered by the Himara Castle.

A woman born in New York, but of Albanian origin, said that she had come with her husband and friends to see the Himara Castle.

“It is absolutely beautiful. And the panoramic view of Himara, stunning. We liked it a lot. We almost got lost there, seeing the churches and the lovely paths with flowers. We liked it a lot”, said she.

Another couple of foreign visitors said that the castle is beautiful and the views are also very beautiful and that they recommended others to visit it.

The Himara Castle is a treasure of cultural heritage.

“When you walk around the castle, when you walk among the trees, you can admire the landscape,” said a tourist from France.

The panorama is stunning and many visitors come there to enjoy it. The Himara Castle was built by ancient monks. It was a powerful fortress throughout the centuries, having seen Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman invasions, but it has always stood tall. /a.f/p.s./