Work on the revitalization project to transform the Historic Centre of Gjirokastra, an UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005 in southern Albania, under the urban renaissance programme, is in full swing, while new developments are recorded every week on the path towards transforming business facilities and traditional homes into welcoming guesthouses to attract and accommodate a growing number of tourists who visit the museum-city. The Historic Centre of Gjirokastra has turned into a huge site of restoration works that include the re-qualification of the network of characteristic streets paved with cobbled stones in the area of Old Bazaar, the rehabilitation of 6 squares that are integral to the cobblestone streets, public lighting, improvement of green spaces, including the 100-year-old plane tree, the symbol that has served as a meeting point for local residents since the 1930s.
The project is designed to build a new underground infrastructure, rehabilitate the existing cobblestone streets, integrate public spaces surrounding the area to turn it into a pedestrian area, managing the controlled traffic of public and residential service vehicles, and improving the green spaces and resting places, highlighting valuable features of the historic center.
Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the ongoing works to restore the cobblestone streets that will preserve the typology between the white and grey stones, while the old characteristic homes and businesses have also been included in this transformation wave.
“The tourist and artisan activities are already underway in 10 blocs. All these once old and previously defunct stores have now become handicraft stores. A growing number of individuals and businesses are showing great interest in buying the old houses and turning them into guesthouses and other accommodation facilities. Restoration works have been carried out to refurbish shops, facades, roofs and buildings along the five main 5 streets. The rehabilitation of cobblestone streets is set to complete ahead of the tourism season,” said the Socialist MP Mirela Kumbaro, who represents the southern region of Gjirokaster.
PM Rama said that the old houses in Gjirokaster as well as in the city of Berat, another UNESCO World Heritage site, will undergo restoration projects in order to turn them into guesthouses and accommodation facilities for local and foreign tourists.
“We are structuring a programme for the old houses in Gjirokaster and Berat only. The programme will initially include the characteristic homes in both cities to stimulate investments and turn them into guesthouses and other lucrative activities and also preserve them. The profit tax will be cut to zero from a current five percent rate. Meanwhile, a specific funding is being created to support projects in this field. So, if someone wishes to turn this building into a guesthouse and he or she needs financial support, we are exploring the opportunities to provide funding through a combination between the private banks and the state budget to allow for loans with very low and affordable interest rates,” the Premier said.
The rehabilitation projects include the famous landmark Bazaar Mosque, which, although a monument of culture, has never seen any restoration works.
Organic food and bio products “Edua” on offer at heart of Gjirokastra Bazaar
Manjola Shehaj, engaged in a bio and organic products business as part of Made in Albania “Edua” brand, has succeeded in promoting and making Albania products popular throughout the world.
Located at the heart of the historic centre of the stone city, one of the country’s most visited sites by tourists from all over the world, Shehaj’s business facilities have been included in the Bazaar revitalization projects to restore its traditional functions as a tourist attraction which will also promote the locally-grown produce.
At completely reconstructed premises with support from the National Scheme through a financing of 1,9 million lek, the most typical organic products of the area are showcased.
“It is a huge benefit for me. I used to own a small shop but the grant has helped me to expand my business to attract a higher number of visitors,” Manjola said.
An experienced entrepreneur in the field of promoting and marketing traditional products, after testing the most preferred products on the local market, she collects typical Albanian products such as various tea and spices, brandy, honey, compote, wine, olive oil, etc. They are mainly home-made products from small producers and households in the southern rural areas and bear “Edua” (I love it) label.