Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Shkodra on social media on Sunday, accompanied by comments from foreign tourists expressing their admiration for the area’s natural beauty and their experiences exploring the region.

“Transformed, increasingly beautiful and welcoming, Shkodra has become one of the favourite destinations for tourists from around the world visiting Albania,” Rama wrote.

In their accounts, visitors praised Albania’s diverse landscapes, from mountains and lakes to rivers and beaches, as well as its local cuisine.

“Albania is a wonderful country and we want to come back. It offers extraordinary nature, adventure and everything you could ask for: stunning landscapes, lakes, rivers, mountains, fantastic beaches and excellent food,” one visitor said.

Shkodra is particularly appreciated for its unique combination of natural attractions, with a lake, river and mountains surrounding the city, as well as the hospitality of its residents.

“I’m from Scotland, and there is everything here. We wanted to go hiking in nature, and that is the main reason we came,” a young woman travelling with the group said.

The group’s tour guide said he was proud of his hometown.

“I’m proud of Shkodra because it has everything: mountains, a lake, a river and wonderful people who make this city a special destination for visitors,” he said.

The city’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor activities make it an appealing choice for travellers looking to explore Albania beyond its traditional coastal destinations.

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Posting images from the construction site, Rama said the bridge is gradually taking shape and will play an important role in improving traffic flow at one of the city’s main entry points.

Work is continuing on both the new bridge and the widening of the road section between Harku i Bërdicës and Bahçallëk Bridge, as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade designed to modernize access to the city.

The project aims to improve road safety, reduce congestion and strengthen transport links between Shkodër and other parts of the country.

The new Bahçallëk Bridge forms part of a wider programme of infrastructure investments intended to enhance mobility and connectivity in northern Albania. The crossing serves as a key link between Shkodër and areas beyond the Drin and Kir rivers, playing a strategic role in traffic movement toward the country’s northern regions.

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The government head shared images of the renovated school and outlined other investments in education infrastructure across the northern Albania city.

Work is continuing at the “Ismail Qemali” school as part of efforts to modernise the city’s education facilities, while investments will also be extended in the coming months to the “Skënderbej” school and “Oso Kuka” high school, he said.

“‘Kolë Idromeno’ school in Shkoder is ready to welcome students for the new school year. Meanwhile, work continues at ‘Ismail Qemali’, while in the coming months investments will also extend to ‘Skënderbej’ and ‘Oso Kuka’ high school,” Rama said.

The investments are aimed at providing more modern school facilities and better conditions for students and teaching staff.

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Speaking in Shkodër, Rama rejected criticism from protesters in Tirana opposing development projects, including in the coastal area of Zvërnec, and dismissed claims that government policies were damaging the country.

“Have we destroyed Shkodër, which for years was left on the margins and is now becoming a tourism destination that grows year after year and generates more income for local businesses?” he said.

Rama made similar remarks about other cities, including Vlorë and Tirana, arguing that infrastructure and tourism development had improved connectivity to mountainous regions and boosted local economies in areas such as Malësi e Madhe, Theth, Valbona and Lurë.

He also defended the government’s so-called “Mountain Package,” a policy aimed at formalising land ownership and encouraging investment in rural and mountainous areas.

The government head said unresolved property titles, particularly in areas affected by past land reforms, were preventing residents from accessing investment, credit and EU funding.

He rejected criticism that the policy could benefit large investors at the expense of local communities, arguing instead that it was designed to enable both residents and members of the diaspora to invest in inherited land.

Rama also compared Albania’s development trajectory with neighbouring Montenegro, saying Albania should not “waste time on slogans and empty talk” and should instead focus on economic growth and tourism potential.

He accused critics of wanting to limit foreign investment and turn Albania into what he described as a “reserve for bloggers and influencers.”

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The discoveries were made during excavations at the acropolis of the ancient city near Bushat, northern region of Shkoder, a site dating from the fourth to the first centuries BC.

The excavation project is being carried out by the University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage and the University of Warsaw’s Centre for Research on Ancient Southeastern Europe, in cooperation with regional cultural heritage authorities.

According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra, the findings provide new information on the extent of the ancient urban area, the architecture of its public buildings and later phases of occupation at the Illyrian-era settlement.

The Bushat site was recently granted protected archaeological status and is expected to be equipped with visitor signage in the coming months as part of efforts to improve public access and heritage preservation.

Authorities said maintenance and conservation work has also been stepped up at several major archaeological sites in northern Albania, including the settlements of Koman and Bushat, as well as Rozafa Castle and Lezha Castle.

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Speaking in parliament, Karakaçi said the project includes the construction of connecting roads, improvements to public transport and stronger infrastructure links between Albania’s coastline and the Albanian Alps, creating new opportunities for economic and tourism development in surrounding areas.

He said the project would improve connectivity between tourist destinations and support the development of year-round tourism in Shkodra county and neighbouring regions, including Lezha, Kukës and Dibra.

Karakaçi said the financing would not increase public debt and described the initiative as a concrete measure to support the development of northern Albania.

According to the minister, an additional 50 million euros in financing has been committed by German development bank KfW, while the next phase of the project is currently awaiting approval.

The investment is expected to deliver direct benefits for residents and visitors by improving infrastructure and boosting the tourism potential of northern Albania, he added.

Karakaçi said the “Gateway to the Alps” project, financed with 100 million euros from the European Investment Bank, was unrelated to the government’s separate “Mountain Package” initiative, which involves private investment and other state-backed projects.

The Minister was responding to questions and concerns raised by opposition lawmakers over transparency regarding the projects to be financed and their potential impact on Albania’s external debt.

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Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaci said during an inspection visit on Monday that the road is a key entry point to Shkodër and an important link with neighbouring Montenegro.

The project includes road widening, upgrades to category D standards, and the construction of a parallel bridge to ease traffic congestion.

“We are expanding the road and improving its standards, as well as building a parallel bridge to facilitate circulation,” Karakaci said.

The Head of the Albanian Road Authority, Ami Kozeli, said physical works have reached 65% completion, including road widening and sidewalk upgrades, with works ongoing without disrupting local businesses.

A revised design also includes a new roundabout near Bahçallëk Bridge to improve traffic flow and access to nearby neighbourhoods.

Authorities said asphalt works in the area are expected to be completed by May 7, with a traffic management plan to be implemented ahead of the summer season.

The new bridge, currently under construction, is expected to further ease traffic towards Tirana once completed.

Officials have called for accelerated works to manage increased seasonal traffic, while expropriation procedures continue to clear the remaining sections of the corridor.

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The exhibition, titled “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard”, is organised by the Swiss Embassy and features images taken during Pittard’s travels in Albania in 1921 and 1924, following his earlier visit in 1910.

In her remarks at the opening ceremony, Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber said she was proud to present the exhibition, noting Pittard’s contribution to raising international awareness of Albania at a time when global attention was crucial.

She said his work reflects values still shared today, including openness, human connection and cultural dialogue, adding that his legacy continues to inspire Swiss-Albanian relations.

“The work of Eugène Pittard reflects values we continue to share today: openness, human connection, and cultural dialogue,” Swiss Ambassador said.

“As Switzerland continues to be a close partner to Albania, the legacy of Pittard still serves as an inspiration for our support and solidarity,” Huber added.

The exhibition includes rare and previously unpublished photographs, alongside digital installations featuring animations, slides and virtual reality experiences. It will remain open in the square in front of Shkodër municipality until May 7.

Curator Elton Koritari said Pittard’s work could inspire contemporary photographers and artists to continue documenting Albania through photography.

Pittard, an anthropologist and long-time supporter of Albania, was also known for advocating the country’s independence and sovereignty in the early 20th century, including lobbying international figures such as U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

His writings and activism helped promote recognition of Albania on the international stage, while his photographs provide a rare visual record of everyday life in the country during its early statehood period.

The exhibition will later travel to Durres and Korça as part of a broader campaign highlighting Pittard’s legacy in Albania.

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Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi and Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci inspected progress on the project, which is nearing completion.

The head of the Albanian Development Fund, Dritan Agolli, said the 6.5-kilometre road is part of a broader infrastructure programme financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The project is also linked to a wider tourism development masterplan supported by Germany’s KfW development bank, aimed at integrating the tourism offer of the Shirokë and Zogaj areas with neighbouring Montenegro.

On the Montenegrin side, the corresponding road infrastructure has already been completed, paving the way for a cross-border tourism corridor.

A second phase of investment is planned in Zogaj village, with the goal of developing it into a fully-fledged tourist destination.

Koçiu said the new road would significantly ease the movement of people and goods while enhancing the area’s appeal ahead of the summer season and supporting local economic growth.

She added that work is under way to establish a joint border crossing point with Montenegro, expected to become operational during the tourist season and provide shared border services.

According to Koçiu, the area is attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors, while the “Gate of the Alps” programme is expected to provide a further boost to development in Shkodër municipality and the wider region.

Karakaçi said the investment goes beyond a road project, forming part of a broader connectivity network for the Shirokë–Zogaj area and supporting tourism development.

He noted that the works are being implemented alongside complementary infrastructure projects, including water supply, sewage systems and a 20 kV energy network.

Karakaçi added that wider investments in Shkodër include the revitalisation of the Buna River, improvements to tourism infrastructure and the development of both mountainous and coastal areas, including Velipoja.

These projects aim to position Shkodër as a regional hub for tourism and business development, including upgrades to the city entrance, the western park, restoration of the castle and the creation of a museum district.

Municipal data show that Shkodër receives around 500,000 visitors annually, with an average stay of two nights, while ongoing investments are expected to increase both visitor numbers and tourism spending in the area.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the event, which turned the city into a festive hub of creativity and spectacle.

A procession of illuminated floats and costumed performers moved through the streets, creating an open-air show for residents and visitors.

The façade of Shkodra’s City Hall also became part of the celebration, hosting a carefully curated projection mapping display that blended light, movement and imagery with the street parade.

The carnival festivities began on Feb. 9 and will continue through Sunday, Feb. 15. The programme includes artistic installations, allegorical floats, parades, animated and grotesque characters, and live concerts.

Shkodra’s carnival revives a long-standing local tradition of colourful festivities and music, drawing families, young people and tourists, while promoting the city as a cultural and tourism destination.

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