TIRANA- Civil works for the rehabilitation of the Historic Center of Gjirokastra – declared world heritage since 2005 are in progress. Gjirokastra, because of its values is one of the main tourist attractions in Albania. For this reason, this city is one of the four urban centers financed by World Bank, in the framework of the Integrated Urban and Tourism Development project. This investment program aims to implement integrated interventions in the rehabilitation of urban infrastructure by improving local’s quality of life, tourist hosting infrastructure in order to transform this center in one of the main centers of cultural heritage and tourism development in Albanian territory.

The Albanian Development Fund is implementing the rehabilitation and restoration of cobblestone roads in Qafa e Pazarit, which represents the heart of the historic center of Gjirokastra. This area considered as the gateway of the historic center is one of the most visited and preferred destinations in Gjirokastra. Works consist of installing a new underground infrastructure network (external water supply network, fire protection system, external sewage network, rainwater drainage network, street lighting and means of communication). The project foresees the restoration of 85 percent of the existing pavement, sidewalks, replacement of amortized parts, improvement of green spaces, placement of benches, recycle bins, bike parking lots, tourist info points and lighting, hereby public spaces will be more accessible.

 

 

The project also foresees the rehabilitation of 6 public squares and public spaces located in this area which are integrally connected with the cobblestone roads. The intervention is particular in each of these public spaces such as: cleaning from inert waste and making them functional for locals and tourists.

 

This project funded by the Albanian-American Development Fund "AADF" and the Institute of Cultural Monuments is implemented in the framework of the restoration project of Qafa e Pazarit Quarter.