TIRANA, November 6 – The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports has intensified efforts to protect, restore, and promote the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Gjirokastër area.

As part of preparing a joint IPA application, the ministry coordinated the drafting of an integrated strategy that aims to preserve, restore, and revitalize several monuments. The plan includes projects for the Annunciation Monastery in Vanistër, the Dormition of the Virgin Monastery in Ravena, and other monuments of special value in Goranxi.

The application results from cooperation with the Municipality of Dropull, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Gjirokastër, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, and the local community.

In a social media post, Minister Gonxhja said the list of cultural assets will expand through the declaration of cultural interest for sites that preserve the area’s traditions and characteristic techniques. She mentioned the Church of the Archangels Monastery above the village of Derviçan, which will soon join the restoration process.

Gonxhja added that during 2024–2025, the ministry has launched and carried out cleaning, maintenance, and restoration interventions at an unprecedented level of investment. However, she noted that the area’s extraordinary inventory and urgent need for greater funding call for broader synergy and alternative financing sources.

/a.p./