The work on rehabilitation of the typical house buildings in Mangalem neighbourhood, once home to  Muslim population of the museum city of Berat, where the city’s ancient history blends with the authentic architecture.

During his visit to the city of Berat, the Prime Minister Edi Rama also inspected the ongoing works as part of a project designed to revitalize the city’s emblematic neighbourhood.

A series of investments in the city over the last years have encouraged many local residents to renovate their private family homes and transform them into guesthouses to accommodate an increasing number of both local and foreign tourists. The government of Albania provides financial support for such projects in a bid to promote also development of agritourism in the country.

“This is the model of the streets and narrow alleys we are currently rehabilitating and which will give a completely different look to this old residential area. The project also includes construction of a new lighting system. Once lighting system is in place and the whole renovation works complete, we will see some of the most beautiful streets. The restoration work is being done with much love to transform this private family home into a guesthouse, which I am confident will become one the most charming guesthouses in Albania thanks to its rare architecture and values. The project is designed to return the 100-year-old house to its former glory,” Berat Mayor Ervin Demo said.

The government head also toured the museum house of Vrioni family, a 200-year-old building, another added value to the chain of the historic houses in the ancient museum city.