The 40 million euro programme, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) between October 2020 and June 2026, is the largest cultural heritage initiative carried out in Albania and the Western Balkans, the organisation said.

In addition to restoring earthquake-damaged monuments, the programme aimed to promote cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable development.

To mark the programme’s completion, UNOPS organised a two-day media tour of several restored sites, showcasing the impact of the EU-funded initiative, which was implemented in cooperation with Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports.

Journalists visited sites in Tirana, Durrës, Bashtovë and Kavajë, including the mosaic façade of the National Historical Museum, the National Puppet Theatre, the Central State Film Archive, the “Sotir Kolea” Book Centre, the Venetian Tower and Ottoman Hammam in Durrës, the Durrës Archaeological Museum, the Durrës Ethnographic Museum, Bashtovë Castle and the Kavajë Ethnographic Museum.

According to UNOPS, the programme has helped preserve Albania’s cultural heritage while supporting sustainable tourism, local economic development, job creation and the revitalisation of community spaces for cultural, educational and artistic activities.

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This is one of the main findings of a year-long restoration project supported by EU4Culture. The project, preceded by archaeological excavations and surveys, aimed to better understand the 5,400 m² field castle, built sometime in the 15th century.

“This is very important. Let’s think about how this terrain looked 500 years ago, when it was built. The Shkumbin River is now relatively close, the sea is close, and there is now a field and some forests in between. During the excavations, our archaeologists found that the original flooring of the castle lies 1.7 metres below the current level,” says Lejla Hadzic, Cultural Heritage Advisor at UNOPS Albania, the implementing partner of the EU4Culture programme. “We can now understand that the whole area was almost two metres lower. It means that the river would have come much closer to the castle, which of course explains that the castle was most probably on the river. This definitely strengthens the reasoning for why this field castle was built, most likely to serve as a small defensive outpost where merchants and producers from the area would come to exchange goods,” she explains.

Overseen from the castle’s towers, the entire protected area covers a surface of 646,000 m². Once upon a time, it served merchants coming and going, connecting people, civilisations, and cultures, where grain and textiles were traded. Built by the Venetians and later conquered by the Ottomans, who constructed a mosque and reconstructed a portion on the western side, archaeologists have also discovered, during one of their surveys outside one of the towers, part of a path that could have connected the castle to the Via Egnatia.

“One of the test pits next to the entrance has yielded some very interesting data. The archaeological excavations have revealed that the circular tower had five flooring levels and was once covered with a timber roof. The findings also showed that it was burned down at some stage. Different types of defensive loopholes were identified, and alongside them, we found a significant number of cannonballs, both iron and stone, confirming the defensive function of the tower over a long period of time,” explains Hadzic. The excavations were led by Professor Lorenc Bejko and Professor Iris Pojani. The area is now confirmed to have been connected by land and water routes to both East and West.

Additional important findings were revealed through the work of the Institute of Conservation of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. Their geologists and stone conservators collected around 15 samples of mortar, brick, and stone to conduct a set of analyses feeding into the conservation design. One of the most interesting results came from a thermo luminescence test conducted on the brick samples.

“Professor Gjerak Karaiskaj has stated that the castle was built between 1467 and 1478. The thermo luminescence test dated the bricks to the early 16th century, while the castle was built in the late 15th century. However, tests on bricks taken from a portion of the wall assumed to have been built later produced different results, dating that section to the mid-18th century, while historical records show that the Ottomans actually rebuilt that portion in the early 16th century. This will require further research and testing in the future,” says Hadzic.

Archaeological excavations were conducted at 11 points across the castle (a total of 15 test pits) prior to conservation work, in order to determine whether cracks at foundation level were still active. These excavations led to the discovery of key findings, the lower original floor, the port, the circular tower, and the Via Egnatia connection, revealing how the fortress sustained the inland area. Referring to the port, Hadzic emphasises that it is “really the most important and first-ever discovery regarding this castle. What the castle needs in the future is definitely larger excavations of the road that was discovered, larger excavations in the circular tower, and probably further excavations in the surrounding field to fully understand the port and the shape of its connecting channel walls.”

The final outcome of the conservation process was that all remaining fortification walls were consolidated and preserved. The techniques and materials applied strictly followed the analyses conducted by the Institute of Conservation in Vienna, using the exact measurements and material ratios tested in the laboratory. To ensure a safe and pleasant experience for visitors, railings on staircases and walkways were installed, along with walking platforms. The project also introduced a new layer of historical interpretation, combining classical information panels in the field with an augmented reality (AR) application featuring 12 interactive spots. Six of these are designed for adult visitors, while the remaining six form a treasure hunt for children, incorporating myths and legends.

“This is the first time that augmented reality has been used in the field of the castle. As you walk through, you can scan the reference points, and the images appear virtually in front of you, there’s nothing like this in Albania until now,” explains Hadzic. Excited about the opportunities this offers for children to explore Bashtova’s heritage, she highlights the importance of creating engaging connections for young people, helping them appreciate and protect this cultural legacy for the future.

According to Hadzic, the studies conducted before the restoration process have created a strong foundation to propose Bashtova Castle for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is already one of Albania’s tentative candidates. Starting from the discovery of its river port, the castle may still hold many more secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Background information

The EU4Culture programme is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports. It focuses on the renovation and revitalisation of major cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake and represents one of the largest cultural heritage programmes funded by the European Union, with a total budget of €40 million.

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As part of his first official visit to Albania, Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, visited two key cultural heritage sites supported by the EU4Culture programme: the restored façade of the former Kinostudio building and the National Film Archive which has received state-of-the-art digitization equipment.

The visit was marked by a joint inauguration event attended by national and international stakeholders, including Ms Lira Pipa, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation; Mr Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Albania; and Ms Sabine Kania, UNOPS Country Manager for Albania and Kosovo, alongside representatives of cultural institutions, and local authorities.

“This is my first mission as European Commissioner to the Western Balkans, and I am particularly glad that Tirana, Albania is my first stop. I’m proud to mark the successful completion of two key EU4Culture actions, the restoration of the former Kinostudio façade and the handover of equipment to the National Film Archive. This investment reflects the EU’s strong commitment to preserving Albania’s cultural legacy and highlights our solidarity. The promotion, protection, and preservation of cultural heritage is a political priority for me and will be a cornerstone of the upcoming Culture Compass for Europe,” Glenn Micallef said.

“The restoration of the former Kinostudio and the Central Film Archive is not just an investment in buildings, but an act of renewal of our collective memory and a bold step towards the future. These historic spaces are being transformed into centers of creation, education and international cooperation, proving that culture is not a luxury, but a vital infrastructure for a society that aspires to be open, developed and connected to its roots,” said Lira Pipa, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation.

“The Kinostudio and the National Film Archive are two important institutions that represent Albania’s rich cinematic past and its cultural resilience. The interventions by the EU4Culture programme, through the generous support of the EU, contribute to making these sites ready for the future. At UNOPS, we are privileged to help bridge memory with innovation, and culture with sustainable development,” said Sabine Kania, UNOPS Albania and Kosovo Country Manager.

These interventions are part of EU4Culture, a European Union-funded programme implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MEKI). The programme aims to restore and promote Albania’s rich cultural heritage, contributing to the country’s sustainable social and economic development.

As part of the EU4Culture programme, the former Kinostudio building, an emblematic cultural landmark, underwent conservation works. These included restoration of its historic façade, repairs to earthquake-related damage, and infrastructure upgrades. The works, valued at EUR 376,000, were implemented from March 2024 to March 2025.

Built in the early 1950s, the Kinostudio building served as the headquarters of “Shqipëria e Re”, Albania’s former state film production company. Today, it is officially recognized as a Monument of Culture of Second Category, owing to its architectural and cultural significance.

Nearby, the National Film Archive received approximately EUR 100,000 worth of modern digitization and preservation equipment through EU4Culture, significantly boosting its capacity to protect fragile audiovisual materials and improve public access to archival content via digital platforms.

Founded in 1947, the Archive houses over 4,330 audiovisual works including films, documentaries, animations, and rare historical footage dating back to the 1920s.

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The children participating in the activity were familiarized with the cultural heritage of Durrës through board games, creative workshops and collaborative art.

The activity had an atmosphere full of creativity and history that comes to life in the heart of the city, within the walls of the Venetian Tower.

This event is organized within the framework of the project “Epidamn Heritage: The Connection between the Past and the Present”, implemented by Durrësi Aktiv in collaboration with MuZEH Lab, under the EU4Culture program, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation.

The activity included educational game on the heritage of Durrës and creative workshops for children and young people.

In 2022-2023 the Venetian Tower was renovated and transformed into the first Albanian Heritage Interpretation Center and now offers visitors the chance to explore historical events and places through state-of-the-art digital and multimedia tools. These include VR headsets, audio guides, dome multimedia projections and other activities, which combine entertainment with a more in-depth look at the city’s ancient history.

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EU4Culture highlighted Hermelinda’s example to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contributions of women scientists to technology, engineering and mathematics.

The International Day of Women and Girls on Science celebrates the incredible contribution of women scientists and encourages future generations to pursue their dream in science.

Her story is not just about film restoration, it’s about dedication, passion, and the vital role of preserving cultural heritage.

“We are not just conserving old films. We are keeping stories alive,” Hermelinda concluded. And with the continued support of programs such as EU4Culture, funded by the EU, the legacy of Albania’s cinematic treasures will endure for generations to come.

EU4Culture programme, funded by EU and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, supported the Central State Film Archive in the purchase of advanced equipment, including a D-Observer digital table, a modern film cleaning device and a film projector.

These tools have significantly improved efficiency and enable faster and higher-quality storage of films, guaranteeing their long-term access.

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The specialists of the Works of Art Sector closely inspected progress of the ongoing work being carried out by the restaurateur Edlira Çaushi and her team.

The Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja shared pictures showing the restoration work.

The wall painting restoration project consists of the consolidation of the pictorial pellicle, the reattachment of the preparatory layers, the discovery of the wall paintings on the north and south sides from the overlays with plaster and lime, the cleaning of the painted surface from permanent deposits, the aesthetic integration for the improvement of the whole image of this painting.

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The platform offers a complete guide towards the perfect routes through rare natural wonders and values that align with the visitors’ interest while exploring Albania.

“Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a culture connoisseur, Routes 4 Culture will ensure an unforgettable experience tailored just for you. Explore the wonders of Albania and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to treasure,” EU4 Culture says.

Over the past 10 months, the project implementing agencies have collaborated with tourism experts to craft four captivating routes that entice visitors to explore the rich cultural and natural landmarks of Kavaja and Rrogozhina.

These routes not only offer immersive experiences but also contribute to the local economy by actively engaging women artisans, young people, and their associations in the development of new economic activities.

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During the visit to the atelier of the National Historic Museum where the UNOPS team welcomed the EU Ambassador to Albania Luigi Soreca, Minister of Culture Elva Margariti as well as some of the authors of the mosaic, they witness the ongoing conservation works for one of the most important sites being restored and preserved under the EU4Culture program.

“Happy to share the progress made at one of the main sites of the EU4Culture program, the Mosaic of the façade of the National Historic Museum. We welcomed on-site, the EU Ambassador, Luigi Soreca and Minister of Culture Elva Margariti together with a few of the mosaic’s authors,” the UNOPS team representative said.

During the visit, UNOPS colleagues and its mosaic conservation team, shared important facts about the immense work behind the scenes, providing a closer view of the damage that is being repaired. //a.i/