Gjirokastra’s castle is a monument with unique architectural values, which holds remarkable evidence of the diversity of ancient societies and lifestyles in the Balkan Region. Nowadays, these elements are extinct but are values which made it part of the World Heritage (UNESCO) since 2005

Following the investment package to protect the cultural monuments of the city of Gjirokastra, the Albanian Development Fund started the restoration works for Gjirokastra’s Castle. The project is developed by a partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the National Institute of Cultural Heritage. The field studies identified that the castle was amortized, including geologic dangers of the monument. Damages in the wall structure and mudslide showed up, but also the fall of both rocks and trees presented a real danger around it. Under these conditions, immediate intervention in the object become necessary.

The “Identification, Design of prioritized measures to address urgent safety concerns and prevent loss of heritage structures in the Castle of Gjirokastra” project is part of the “Integrated Urban and Tourism Development” program, handled by the ADF and financed by the World Bank.

The intervention will be developed in 3 packages, more respectively:

Package I - Structural and Geological Stabilization

Package II - Visitor’s Content

Package III - Museum Roof

With the implementation of the temporary safety barriers, plant and tree removal, reinforcement of castle’s retaining walls, filling the voids infill with concrete and the placement of steel mesh to protect against rockfall, the building becomes more sustainable and ensured protection of it from atmospheric and environmental conditions.