Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja has shared in the social media views of the works on this important monument of Dropulli’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The two-phase project focuses on consolidating the stone masonry, restoring the traditional wooden features—such as doors, windows, and stairs—and reconstructing the stone-tiled roofs.

The works aim to save the historical structures from further degradation and restore the functionality of the complex, while preserving its originality and traditional character.

The restoration assumes special importance after the declaration of the Archangels Monastery Church as a Cultural Property with the status of “Cultural Monument”, Category I, together with its protective zone.

The intervention is expected to contribute to the preservation of one of the important testimonies of Dropulli’s historical, architectural and spiritual heritage, as well as to the revitalization of the complex for the community and visitors. /p.s./

Dedicated work is underway to restore this vital piece of our cinematic heritage to the highest quality. Once completed, the restored film will premiere soon at the “Drita” cinema.

Released in 1976 by “New Albania,” Film Studios “Last Winter” was directed by Ibrahim Muçaj and Kristaq Mitro, with a script by Nexhati Tafa and features unforgettable music by Aleksandër Lalo. The movie was shot on location in the tourist village of Dardha in Korça. /p.s./

On the feast of Prophet Elijah, Gonxhja said that the restoration preserved the monument’s historical and spiritual essence while repairing its architectural integrity, ensuring our cultural heritage endures for future generations.

The Church of Prophet Elijah is located in the village of Lekël in Tepelena.

Minister Gonxhja has closely followed progress of the works aimed at restoring this cultural monument to its original condition while preserving its historical and architectural values.

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastra has undertaken the comprehensive conservation works at the Church of the Prophet Elijah. The project included rebuilding the roof, stabilizing the structure and restoring the building’s historic features, following severe fire damage that swept through southern Albania. /j.p/p.s./

The restoration project is being carried out with the aim of safeguarding the site’s history, heritage and architectural character.

“Each intervention brings us one step closer to transforming this monument into an even more attractive destination for visitors,” Gonxhja wrote on social media.

Perched on a green hillside overlooking the village and coastline of Borsh on the Albanian Riviera, Borsh Castle dates back to antiquity and was later rebuilt during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It served as a strategic stronghold controlling trade routes and defending the surrounding area.

The castle’s walls enclose an extensive area containing historical ruins, including an Ottoman-era mosque.

The site also offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the Borsh plain, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking to combine history with the region’s natural scenery.
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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared in the social media a view of the restored icon, which was presented to the public on occasion of the International Museum Day.

Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of Berat”, this renowned icon underwent a meticulous restoration. The project stabilized the paint layers and carefully cleaned the surface, revealing the original brilliance of the silver coating that had tarnished over centuries of oxidation and grime.

Measuring 130 × 75 cm, this 16th-century icon of Saint Mary presenting Christ on her right arm was masterfully restored to its former glory by conservator Erion Lezi. Originally, it belonged to the iconostasis of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which now houses the Onufri Museum.

Although treated 50 years ago, the artwork suffered from damaged base layers, surface wear, and heavily tarnished silver over the centuries. Today, viewers can once again admire this restored masterpiece in all its original harmony, elegance, and expressive power. /j.p/p.s./

Restoration works began in May last year with funding from the Albanian Development Fund and Cultural Heritage Without Borders Albania.

Orges Feimi, director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlorë, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that restoration work is expected to be completed within the next two months, with interventions focused primarily on geological stabilization and conservation measures.

New functional spaces are already taking shape within the castle walls, including an information office, visitor service facilities, an open-air theater, and upgraded entrances equipped with orientation signage.

“These interventions aim not only to preserve the site’s heritage values, but also to transform the castle into a complete cultural experience,” Feimi said.

Beyond its historical and archaeological significance, Kaninë Castle is expected to become one of the most attractive destinations for visitors to the southern coastal city.

According to Feimi, the increase in visitor numbers in recent years has also been supported by the reconstruction of the road leading to the village of Kaninë.

During the restoration process, archaeologists uncovered new evidence shedding light on the site’s layered history.

Archaeologist Surja Lela told ATA that excavations carried out as part of geological studies revealed two Ottoman-era structures extending to a depth of 3.2 meters below ground level.

“The archaeological material consists mainly of ceramics, while two stone cannonballs were also discovered within the layers, clearly indicating the circumstances surrounding the destruction of these structures,” Lela said.

According to him, the newly uncovered area near the surrounding wall will be fully restored and left accessible to visitors.

“We believe the entire interior surface of the castle contains residential structures from different historical periods,” Lela explained. “This is confirmed by surveys conducted across various parts of the site, where we have uncovered building foundations, cobblestone streets, medieval drainage systems, and other remains. All discovered structures will be carefully restored and integrated into the archaeological site, further enriching archaeological tourism.”

Kaninë is considered one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites, with origins dating back to the Illyrian urban period and evidence of uninterrupted habitation across centuries. Its archaeological layers and architectural features reflect this long historical continuity.

The castle also holds major historical and cultural significance as the site where Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg was crowned Prince of Arbëria in 1451.

Over the centuries, the fortress was visited by Suleiman the Magnificent and became associated with prominent historical figures including Gjergj Arianiti, Donika Kastrioti, influential Ottoman-era pashas, and Ismail Qemali.

Its architectural structure evokes similarities with other major Albanian fortresses, including the castles of Berat Castle and Durrës Castle.

Situated 380 meters above sea level and covering an area of 3.6 hectares, the castle offers sweeping panoramic views over Vlorë and its bay.

As history and nature converge on the hills above the Adriatic coast, Kaninë Castle is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors-not only as a monument of the past, but as a living destination where new stories continue to emerge every day.

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The government head attended the reopening of the Archaeological Museum in Durres following its restoration under the programme, which has so far supported the rehabilitation of 23 cultural heritage sites.

He said the recovery effort was made possible through close cooperation with the EU and the “EU4Culture” initiative, which provided financial and technical support.

“We did everything on our part, with the right projects and will, to move this programme forward. Several sites are still under restoration, but this is a transformative effort that speaks for itself,” Rama said.

He compared the process to post-earthquake reconstruction of housing, saying both cases created an opportunity to rebuild “better and more beautifully”.

Rama said investment in culture is particularly important for Albania, not only because of its tourism potential, but also because of the country’s path toward European Union membership and the opportunity to better showcase its history.

He thanked all those involved in the project, calling it a “won challenge.”

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Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako said the building, a 19th-century landmark known as the house of renowned actor Aleksandër Moisiu, has been fully restored under the EU4Culture programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in cooperation with Albania’s Ministry of Culture.

Sako said the museum now hosts 125 works by Italian artists in tribute to painter Ibrahim Kodra, transforming the space into not only a site preserving local tradition but also a cultural bridge with international art.

She added that the museum also includes a dedicated pavilion to Moisiu, alongside other sections showcasing local art, traditions and identity.

“In this space, history, culture, art and heritage are harmoniously intertwined, creating an inspiring experience for every visitor,” Sako said.

According to the mayor, the opening of the Ethnographic Museum marks another step in promoting Durrës’ cultural heritage and strengthening cultural tourism in the city.

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In collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastra, Gonxhja confirmed the monastery’s classification and defined a protected zone around the associated konaks, ensuring full legal protection of the ensemble.

The approved project will restore the monastery’s function and usability, turning it into a vibrant space for the local community and cultural heritage while enhancing the country’s tourist routes.

The intervention will be the first comprehensive restoration of the monastery quarters (konaks), currently in a degraded state, including cleaning, masonry reinforcement, and reconstruction of traditional elements such as roofs, floors, and wooden structures.

The Archangels Monastery is one of Derviçan’s most important spiritual and architectural complexes, with significant historical and cultural value. The site, comprising the church and konaks, reflects centuries of stone construction and monastic life.

Gonxhja said that, together with Dropull Mayor Dhimitraq Toli and partner organizations, efforts are underway to preserve, revitalize, and promote historic sites while leveraging protective status to secure project funding and sustainable local economic recovery.

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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said restoration efforts have commenced, focusing on returning this cultural monument to its original state while safeguarding its historical and architectural integrity.

Specialists from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastra have been engaged in the restoration of the “Prophet Elijah”.

The Church of the Prophet Elijah is currently undergoing major restoration. Efforts include reinforcing the building’s structure, reviving the traditional roof and restoring its unique historic elements.

“This restoration process highlights the need for synchronized national and international efforts to safeguard cultural heritage against environmental hazards”, said Minister Gonxhja.

He appreciated that the multi-sectoral collaboration in monument conservation—covering prevention, response, and recovery—is essential to safeguard these assets for current residents, visitors, and future generations. /j.p/p.s./